Non-adult Fracture Patterns in Late and Post-medieval Flanders, a Comparison of a Churchyard and a Church Assemblage

Abstract

ABSTRACT The study of trauma in non-adults (<18 years) from archaeological assemblages is relatively recent, partly because immature bones present distinct injury patterns, while rapid healing and remodelling can erase macroscopic evidence. However, non-adult trauma provides information about age-related differences in risk, and the lifestyles and social roles of immature individuals. This study recorded possible fractures in 135 non-adults from a churchyard and a church assemblage from medieval and post-medieval Flanders, to evaluate the presence of fractures and analyse type, prevalence, age distribution, and socio-economic differences. Eighteen individuals presented lesions, including typical non-adult injuries. Prevalence was generally low , but some trends emerged. The churchyard had a higher prevalence, and these individuals likely had a lower social background compared to the church, suggesting socio-economic differences. In the churchyard assemblage older non-adults showed an increased prevalence, possibly related to occupational risks since many children and particularly adolescents, worked as servants, labourers, or apprentices.