Find new evidence in the medieval cemetery in Ii Hamina

Right at the medieval cemetery in Ii Hamina, Northern Finland next to Li Joki River, many carbon isotopes in ancient human teeth in the cemetery show that the ancient villagers in this area had survived through the 15th and 16th centuries despite Small ice age.

The cemetery in Ii Hamina was discovered during the construction of the pipeline in 2009, after which the archaeological excavation of the area began under the direction of the Titta Kallio-Seppä. Based on excavations, at least 290 people were buried in this area.

When conducting Radiocarbon analysis, it was discovered that this cemetery was used in the 15th and 16th centuries. During that time, Finland experienced a period of particularly low temperatures, known as the little ice age.

This new study measured the carbon and hydrogen isotope composition from collagen in the teeth of 11 dead people buried in the ancient cemetery. Analysis of small bone samples partially reveals the type of food they may have eaten while alive.

The carbon isotope composition shows that the ancient people here suffered from stress, malnutrition and poverty, which is evident in the specific isotope composition of hydrogen in each individual.

Not only that, the researchers also found such signs of stress in some individuals who also had a different diet than those around the cemetery.

Based on this research, there seems to be a way to survive in Ii Hamina, although the climate in those centuries is thought to be colder than it is today.

" Mostly, people will have a similar diet for many years, from childhood to adulthood, there is no surprising change in the hydrogen isotope composition. This means people In the Iijoki area, I have found a way to survive despite the cold climate . " Researcher Maria Lahtinen of the Finnish Museum of Natural History Luomus said in a statement.

In addition, they found a variant with a characteristic carbon isotope composition that could be due to poor nutrition and a skeletal diet very special when compared to other skeletons.