Frumbyrdling

What this skeleton told us: Evidence

A young adult, likely male, of around 21 to 35 years of age and 179 cm tall (5 feet 11 inches). Enamel defects, or hypoplasia, of the tooth enamel was seen on some teeth, as well as plaque on all teeth. The front teeth of the lower jaw are crowded. The left upper 3rd molar tooth is impacted, being partially erupted and pressed against the 2nd molar. There is joint damage to some bones of both the left and right fingers, and possible evidence for dislocation of a finger.

Interpretation of the evidence

In Anglo-Saxon Britain, it is likely that if a man survived childhood, he could expect to live a fairly long life, at least into middle-age, provided he maintained good health and was not killed in battle. This man was above average height, indicating he was well-nourished and had been in good general health. However, we should remember that humans are very good at adapting to challenging times! In common with many of the people buried at the Bowl Hole, Dental hygiene appears to have been poor for this young man, he could have experienced toothache from the impacted molar. His enamel hypoplasia illustrates that in childhood he had a deficient diet or disease. He may have experienced pain and swelling in the fingers of his hands.