site.btaAnthropological Analysis Reveals Mixed-Race Inhabitants of Heraclea Sintica

An anthropological analysis has revealed a man and a woman of mixed-race origin among the inhabitants of the ancient city of Heraclea Sintica, Prof. Dr. Lyudmil Vagalinski, who heads the archaeological studies at the site, told BTA. The data were obtained through the study of human remains from the city’s Western necropolis, which has been investigated during rescue excavations by the team from the National Archaeological Museum.

The anthropological study was carried out by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Victoria Russeva from the Institute of Experimental Morphology, Pathology and Anthropology with the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. Among the analyzed burials is of a woman, aged approximately 35–40, showing strong features of mixed ancestry between European and African populations. The woman suffered from scoliosis and early-stage spondylosis. Her burial dates to the second half of the 4th century AD and is among the latest in the necropolis, as confirmed by the analysis of the coins found in the grave.

In addition, a man of mixed ancestry was identified, who lived to an age between 40 and 50 years, exceptionally advanced for that era. Both individuals were buried with visible respect, in solidly constructed graves, which according to the archaeologists indicates their full integration into the society of Heraclea Sintica.

“We also have other similar examples from ancient burials in Bulgaria, but they are extremely rare. For me, this discovery is yet another confirmation that the people of Heraclea actively and successfully participated in the economy of the vast Roman Empire, spread across three continents,” Prof. Vagalinski commented. He recalled that epigraphic evidence indicates that people from various parts of the Mediterranean, including distant Carthage, settled in the city

The anthropological analysis of the necropolis covers a total of 156 graves, with reliable information obtained for 137 individuals, despite the fact that a significant portion of the burials were cremations. The data outline a troubling, yet typical for antiquity, picture - most inhabitants died before the age of 40, and individuals over 60 were practically absent.

Research also reveals a variety of diseases among the population of the ancient city, including rare genetic conditions such as Klippel–Feil syndrome and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease. Cases of severe bone and joint damage have been identified. In one instance, the affected individual lived to adulthood, which according to the researchers is evidence of care, social support, and a well-organized community. Studies continue with additional laboratory and chemical analyses, including research into diet and population origin, which are expected to provide further new data about life in Heraclea Sintica over the centuries.