What this skeleton told us: Evidence
A teenager/adolescent or young adult of uncertain age due to a dental age estimate of 19 to 30 years and a skeletal age estimate of 10 to 16 years. Sex is unknown. The bones of the right knee have fused (femur and tibia). Osteoarthritis is present in some of the joints of the vertebrae. Some vertebrae are also porous and flattened. There was a possible compression fracture in the right third finger finger bones. Plaque, tooth decay and tooth loss during the person’s life were also noted.
Interpretation of the evidence
The fused knee would have affected normal mobility. Osteoarthritis at such a young age may be related to physical activities the person did. Tooth decay indicates sugar in his/her diet, and plaque suggests poor dental hygiene.
Where burgware was found in the graveyard
burgware
Citizens. Literally comprised of "burg"; borough or walled town and "-ware"; citizens or inhabitants of e.g. Cantware; Kentish folk.
