New research sheds light on the extended breastfeeding practices and migration patterns of early Bavarians in the 5th century AD.
Recent research conducted by a team of anthropologists led by Michaela Harbeck and Maren Velte has uncovered fascinating insights into the lives of early medieval Bavarians. Through the analysis of human teeth from archaeological sites in Bavaria, the researchers have gained valuable information about breastfeeding practices and migration patterns during this period. The findings, published in PLOS ONE and Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, provide a glimpse into the lives of these individuals and shed light on the complex social and cultural dynamics of the time.
1: Teeth as an Archive of Childhood
Teeth, formed during childhood and characterized by minimal remodeling throughout one’s lifetime, serve as a unique “archive of childhood.” By analyzing the teeth of individuals from medieval Bavarian cemeteries, the researchers were able to gain insights into the earliest phase of life during the early Middle Ages. The team focused on teeth from the period around 500 AD, which provided a snapshot of the developmental and dietary history of these individuals.
2: Tracing Migration Patterns
The Migration Period, spanning from Late Antiquity to the Middle Ages, marked a significant period of cultural and political change in Europe. The researchers used strontium isotopes to determine the geographical origins of the individuals studied. Surprisingly, the analysis revealed that a substantial number of people of non-Bavarian origin migrated to the region of southern Bavaria around the end of the 5th century. These migrations included both men and women, challenging previous assumptions about the role of migration during this period.
3: Dietary Patterns and Foreign Origins
In addition to migration patterns, the researchers also examined the dietary patterns of the individuals studied. Isotopic analysis of carbon and nitrogen provided insights into the types of food consumed. Interestingly, certain individuals showed dietary patterns atypical for Bavaria, suggesting a foreign origin. For example, women with genetic markers characteristic of southeastern Europe and artificially modified skulls consumed a diet primarily consisting of millet during their formative years. Millet farming was common in Eastern Europe and Asia but uncommon in Bavaria at that time. These findings indicate that these women grew up in different cultural contexts outside of Bavaria.
4: Prolonged Breastfeeding Practices
One of the most intriguing findings of the study is the discovery that women in late antiquity and the early Middle Ages breastfed their children for longer periods than is typical today. The researchers found that weaning from breast milk occurred between the second and third year of life for most of the early Bavarians studied. Women of foreign origin, in particular, breastfed their children for even longer durations. This extended breastfeeding practice is reminiscent of nomadic peoples and provides valuable insights into the cultural practices of the time.
5: Weaning Stress and Dental Markers
The weaning process, while natural, poses certain health risks to infants, including exposure to new pathogens and potential malnutrition. The researchers found visible malformations in tooth enamel, considered identifiable physiological stress markers, that indicated the age at which children were exposed to these stress events. Infants raised during the period after social upheavals in Bavaria experienced a particularly high level of “weaning stress,” as evidenced by frequent stress-related developmental changes in dental morphology during the 7th century. The researchers attribute these changes to fundamental shifts in childhood nutrition, especially regarding complementary foods.
Conclusion:
The research conducted by Harbeck, Velte, and their team offers valuable insights into the lives of early medieval Bavarians. The analysis of human teeth has provided a unique window into the breastfeeding practices and migration patterns of this period. The findings challenge preconceived notions about migration during the Migration Period and shed light on the cultural diversity and complex social dynamics of early Bavaria. Moreover, the discovery of prolonged breastfeeding practices and the impact of weaning stress on dental development add to our understanding of the health and well-being of individuals during this time. Further research will undoubtedly uncover more details about the lives of these early Bavarians and deepen our understanding of this fascinating period in history.
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