A Sharp Force Trauma Related Possible Homicide in Ancient Anatolia: Analytical Research

Objective: Trauma analysis is one of intriguing parts of osteoarchaeological studies. It reveals important information about the lifestyle of the ancient humans and in some cases the reason of the deaths. During the 2019 excavation season, a well-preserved and almost intact human skeleton was found in Northern Colonnaded Street of the Stratonikeia ancient city. This study presents the characteristics of the wound on this individual and discusses the possible reason and the way of the death. Material and Methods: The material consists of a nearly complete skeleton dating to 1086-1219 calCE by radiocarbon dating. The skeleton -whose age and sex were determined by using cranium, mandible, os coxae, clavicle and femur- belongs to a 20-25 years old male. The whole skeleton was examined for the presence of trauma and other pathological conditions which described in literature. Results: Located on occipital bone, there is a large lesion (height: 43.53 mm, width: 61.42 mm) which shows an evident of sharp force trauma without having any signs of healing. The evidence indicates a sudden death which was caused by a large bladed instrument. Conclusion: Given the size and characteristics of the trauma, it is likely that the incident is a result of intra-group violence rather than inter-group violence and thus interpreted as a homicide.