An unusual Late Iron Age or Early Roman burial discovered at Oegstgeest, the Netherlands

Abstract

The individual found buried semi-cremated during the excavations at Oegstgeest was a young adult male. The combined Sr-O isotope analysis did not provide evidence for a non-local origin, although a place of birth in a different region cannot be excluded. During the first years of his life he suffered from periods of malnutrition and/or illness. At the time of death, he suffered from a disease in the respiratory system that was contracted earlier in life. His burial was intended to be a cremation, perhaps following a bustum ritual. The cremation was not entirely effective. Burial of a semi-cremated body was the result.