The presence of scurvy in Early Medieval (9th-10th centuries) Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain: Investigations at the necropolis of the Antics Jutjats Municipals (the former Municipal Courts).

OBJECTIVE

This study investigates patterns of nutritional stress in the context of the prolonged armed conflict between Muslim and Christian groups in Early Medieval Barcelona (9th-10th centuries CE).

MATERIALS: A total of 115 individuals from the Antics Jutjats Municipals Early Medieval site in Barcelona were analysed, including 71 non-adults (0-20.99 years) and 44 adults (21-60 years).

METHODS

Morphological characteristics classified as 'Diagnostic of,' 'Highly consistent/Typical of,' and 'Consistent with' scurvy were evaluated macroscopically using a hand magnifying glass.

RESULTS

Evidence for possible scurvy was found in 12 of 87 observable individuals (13.8%): 9 non-adults and 3 adults (4 as "Diagnostic of"; 3 as "Highly consistent/typical" and 5 as "Consistent with").

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of scurvy in the analysed population reflects significant dietary stress associated with the prolonged armed conflict between Muslim and Christian groups during the 9th-10th centuries CE. The struggle for territorial control generated political instability in Barcelona, disrupting food production and distribution and contributing to nutritional deficiency.

SIGNIFICANCE: This study contributes to a better understanding of scurvy epidemiology in the Iberian Peninsula and the Mediterranean region.

LIMITATIONS: Only 115 of the estimated 460 individuals have been excavated and analysed. Therefore, a comprehensive assessment of the remaining individuals would be necessary to obtain a more accurate estimate of the scurvy prevalence of in this population.

SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH: Increase the sample using this and other sites from the same period.