Animal diseases in the Central Balkan Eneolithic (ca. 4500–2500 BC)—A diachronic perspective on the site of Bubanj, south‐eastern Serbia

• DOI: 10.1002/oa.3065
• Publication Date: 2021-11-03T18:16:47Z
• Authors: Jelena Bulatović; Nemanja Marković; Nikola Krstić; Aleksandar Bulatović; Marko Mitrović; Darko Marinković
• Keywords: Chalcolithic; Paleopathology; Bioarchaeology; Iron Age

Abstract This paper aims to present the first evidence of animal diseases from Central Balkan Eneolithic, a prehistoric period that lasted about 2000 years. The eponymous site Bubanj in south‐eastern Serbia provided diachronic perspective on pathologies developing during this long time period. We analyzed 71 remains showing pathological changes. All exhibiting anomalies were subjected macroscopic analysis, while specimens with most prominent alterations also underwent X‐ray and CT imaging. Anomalies observed mostly domestic animals. Only caprines all different types present, dental being frequent. Degenerative bone noted around 78% cattle specimens, congenital common type pigs. Pathological changes dogs, aurochs, red deer, wild boars, beavers, bears. In cases, caused by hereditary environmental factors. Caprine result aging poor‐quality nutrition. cattle, besides factors, degenerative might have been work related. lack paleopathological data other Eneolithic sites region, scarce or non‐existent previous (Neolithic) succeeding (Bronze Age) periods prevented comparative analyses discussion results within wider temporal spatial frames. Establishing investigation Balkans should be standard, order provide us better understanding human–animal interactions.