An Integrated Study of the Mesolithic Skeleton in Theopetra Cave, Greece: From the Skeleton Analysis to 3D Face Reconstruction
Manolis J. Papagrigorakis,
Emmanuel Maravelakis,
Nina Kyparissi-Apostolika,
Eleni Stravopodi,
Antonios Konstantaras,
Orestis Apostolikas,
Panagiotis Toulas,
Constantin Potagas,
Theodoros Papapolychroniou,
Michael Mastoris,
Philippos N. Synodinos,
Antonis A. Kousoulis,
Manolis G. Tsilivakos,
Peny Tsakanikou,
George P. Chrousos
Affiliations
Manolis J. Papagrigorakis
Department of Orthodontics, Dental School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
Emmanuel Maravelakis
Department of Electronic Engineering, Hellenic Mediterranean University, 73133 Chania, Greece
Nina Kyparissi-Apostolika
Emerita Director of the Ephoreia of Palaeoanthropology and Speleology, Ministry of Culture, 11636 Athens, Greece
Eleni Stravopodi
Board of Paleoanthropology, Ministry of Culture, 11636 Athens, Greece
Antonios Konstantaras
Department of Electronic Engineering, Hellenic Mediterranean University, 73133 Chania, Greece
Orestis Apostolikas
Independent Researcher, 15341 Athens, Greece
Panagiotis Toulas
Bioiatriki Healthcare Group, 11526 Athens, Greece
Constantin Potagas
Neuropsychology and Language Disorders Unit, First Department of Neurology, Εginition Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15784 Athens, Greece
Oral Diagnosis and Radiology, Dental School of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
Philippos N. Synodinos
Department of Orthodontics, Dental School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
Antonis A. Kousoulis
Mental Health Foundation, London SE1 4PD, UK
Manolis G. Tsilivakos
Department of Orthodontics, Dental School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
Peny Tsakanikou
Centre for Archaeology of Human Origins, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
George P. Chrousos
University Research Institute of Maternal and Child Health and Precision Medicine and UNESCO Chair on Adolescent Health Care, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Children’s Hospital Aghia Sophia, 11527 Athens, Greece
Skeletal evidence dating back to the Mesolithic period is scarce and should be studied under a multidisciplinary perspective. The primary objective of the study was to carefully assess the skeleton of a young woman from this era, named “Avgi,” to compile its bioarchaeological profile, analyze its paleopathology and dental pathology, and deploy a 3D reconstruction and modeling method in order to reveal her face. Both demographic and pathological information were drawn from macroscopically observing the bones, long bone X-rays, skull CT and X-rays, 3D modeling and printing of the skull, and panoramic dental X-rays. The Manchester method was used for the 3D facial reconstruction. On analysis, we determined that Avgi was a female adolescent, aged around 17–19 years at death, and likely suffering from iron deficiency anemia and Class III dental malocclusion. Notably, Harris lines and a hair-on-end pattern were identified in the long bones and skull radiographs, respectively. Various less significant skeletal lesions reflected potential minor pathologies. Our findings suggest that multidisciplinary collaborative approaches should be followed in the modern study of lesser-known past eras. Multiple scientific perspectives, as well as social structures, geographical aspects, settlements, population movements, and social networks should all be taken into account when assessing lifestyle characteristics and paleopathological signs in skeletal remains.
