Looking carefully at the bones can reveal ‘pathological legions’ which can tell us about the general health and lifestyle of an individual. Some of the vertebrae from the individual within Cremation 4 displayed ‘Schmorl’s nodes’ which are believed to be evidence of the person carrying heavy loads, while bones from Cremation 1 showed signs of degenerative joint disease (arthritis).
Careful analysis of the bone from Clitheroe also revealed that it had all fully oxidised during the cremation process. This indicates that the individuals’ bodies had been cremated at temperatures exceeding 600°C.
Radiocarbon dating of the cremations has dated them to between the mid-20th century BC and the late 17th century BC which shows that the ring ditch was in use as a burial ground for over 250 years. The pottery vessels are currently being stabilised and conserved by Durham University after which they will be sent to Lancashire Museum.
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