Bioarcheology of the Late Mesolithic, the last HUnter-Gatherers of Europe

Project Information

MUGE

Grant agreement ID: 101090304

DOI

10.3030/101090304

Project closed

EC signature date 2 June 2022

Start date 2 May 2023

End date 1 May 2025

Funded under

• Widening participation and spreading excellence

Total cost

No data

EU contribution

€ 156 778,56

Coordinated by

UNIVERSIDADE DE COIMBRA
Portugal

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - MUGE (Bioarcheology of the Late Mesolithic, the last HUnter-Gatherers of Europe)

Reporting period: 2023-05-02 to 2025-05-01

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Despite over 160 years of archaeological research at the Muge shell middens, the biological study of the associated human remains has remained limited. Previous work focused primarily on estimating the minimum number of individuals or specific aspects such as palaeodiet. The limited preservation of the skeletal material, due to the weight of the sediments, fragmentation, and calcareous encrustations, has long hindered in-depth anthropological and palaeopathological analysis.
This project addressed some of these challenges through a multidisciplinary approach combining palaeoimaging, palaeodemography, and palaeopathology. Advanced 3D imaging techniques (including micro-Computed Tomography) were applied to this assemblage, enabling the exploration of bone and dental structures and the identification of anatomical and pathological features otherwise obscured by post-depositional damage.
The project was structured around two core objectives:
- To reconstruct the demographic structure of the Mesolithic groups from Muge, using biological profiles estimations (age-at-death, sex, stature) derived from macroscopic and imaging-based observations. Special attention was given to Cabeço da Amoreira due to recent excavations and the availability of well-documented contextual and radiocarbon data.
- To assess health status and life conditions through the identification of skeletal stress markers, developmental anomalies, and pathological conditions with paleoimaging
By integrating palaeopathological and demographic findings, this project contributes with new insights into the biological diversity, health, and mortality patterns of the last hunter-gatherer-fisher communities in the Iberian Peninsula, and establishes a methodological framework for future research on similarly preserved skeletal collections.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

Work Package 1
The main objective of WP1 was to reconstruct the demographic structure of the Mesolithic populations from the Muge shell middens through a multidisciplinary approach combining bioarchaeology, demography, and archaeological context. Although data were collected from individuals at both Moita do Sebastião and Cabeço da Amoreira, the analysis primarily focused on Cabeço da Amoreira. This site, benefiting from recent excavations, new discoveries, and the most complete contextual information—including detailed burial documentation and numerous radiocarbon dates linked to individual skeletons—allowed for more robust and integrated palaeodemographic estimations.
Despite some delays related to data acquisition and equipment availability, significant progress was achieved. Micro-CT acquisitions and 3D reconstructions of skeletal remains enabled more accurate age-at-death estimations, especially for subadults, based on dental development and bone maturation. Adult age profiles were assessed through the alterations of the auricular surface and pelvic symphysis of the coxal bone.
Additionally, a study of the inner ear morphology (bony labyrinth) was conducted on individuals from Moita do Sebastião to evaluate morphological variability and biological diversity within the site. Micro-CT data of the inner ear from Cabeço da Amoreira individuals were also acquired, and will be analysed, allowing intra-site variability assessments and comparisons between the two sites.
Ongoing ancient DNA analyses have produced data already integrated with morphological findings, fostering a multidisciplinary understanding of the biological relationships and population dynamics within the Muge complex.
Furthermore, 3D imaging facilitated the identification of anatomical variants such as diploic vein morphologies and detailed studies of frontal sinuses, enriching the biological characterization of these Mesolithic populations.
While the full statistical analysis is still underway, preliminary results were presented at international conferences (EAA 2023, AABA 2024). This work has laid the groundwork for a forthcoming publication focusing on the spatial organization of burials and demographic structure at Cabeço da Amoreira, supported by detailed excavation records and advanced analytical tools. This work will be presented in September at the congress Meso 2025 in Ferrara and an article will be submitted this year, following the feedback receive during the congress.
Overall, WP1 generated a robust and original dataset that significantly advances our understanding of the biological and social structure of Mesolithic communities in the Muge region.

 
Work Package 2
While the original plan envisioned a comprehensive analysis of all individuals from the Muge complex, the study has primarily focused on individuals recently uncovered during the latest excavation campaigns at Cabeço da Amoreira, as well as a selected sample of crania from Moita do Sebastião.
Several benign pathologies were identified at Moita do Sebastião and were presented in a first publication in the International Journal of Osteoarchaeology (IJOA). These included begnin developmental issues and tumours such as epidermoid cysts, an intraosseous hemangioma, and a possible case of anemia. In addition, one individual presented a possible case of Schwannoma, and a manuscript integrating this case has been submitted to the journal Magos.
At Cabeço da Amoreira, one individual showed evidence of stress indicators, which were reevaluated using medical imaging (micro-CT) to clarify their etiology. An article on this case is currently being finalized. Another remarkable case involves a newborn individual from the same site who exhibited porosities on the tibial bone. A micro-CT analysis of the tibia was conducted to determine the origin of this porosity, which was ultimately interpreted as a normal feature related to bone growth.
Additionally, although the secondment work on dental asymmetries could not be finalized due to technical issues, the necessary data were successfully acquired. This ensures that the project can be continued beyond its official end date (see Section 5.1 Tasks/Objectives), allowing for the completion of this innovative study.
Data from Cabeço da Amoreira are currently being integrated with biological profiles obtained in WP1 to establish a demographic and health profile of the population. This combined approach allows for a nuanced understanding of the health conditions and life experiences of individuals buried at the site and sets the stage for future inter-site comparisons within the Muge complex
 

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The research conducted in Work Packages 1 and 2 significantly advances the state of the art in Mesolithic bioarchaeology and funerary studies. Previous work on the Muge shell middens often relied on limited contextual information, partial excavation records, and conventional osteological methods. By integrating micro-CT scanning, 3D reconstruction, and palaeodemographic modelling directly linked to precisely documented excavation contexts, this project has achieved a level of analytical resolution unprecedented for the region. The systematic combination of morphological analysis, high-resolution imaging, and ancient DNA data provides a multidisciplinary perspective on the biological diversity and health of these populations that was not previously possible. Furthermore, the work has introduced new approaches to assessing subadult development, anatomical variation (such as diploic vein and sinus agenesis), and the interpretation of rare pathological conditions using virtual anthropology methods. This innovative framework establishes a robust foundation for future research, enabling more accurate reconstructions of population dynamics, social practices, and inter-site variability within the Muge complex and serving as a methodological benchmark for other Mesolithic contexts in Europe.