A Possible Case of Scurvy in Byzantine Skeletal Remains from Khirbet el-Bediyah Archaeological Site, Jordan

Abu Dalou, Ahmad Yosuf; Al-Muheisen, Zeidoun H.; Knudson, Anna Kjær; Huang, Yuejiao; Schroeder, Hannes; Otum, Khader W.; Khwaileh, Ali M.; Al-Shorman, Abdulla

doi:10.21608/shedet.2025.326543.1273

A Possible Case of Scurvy in Byzantine Skeletal Remains from Khirbet el-Bediyah Archaeological Site, Jordan

Document Type : research articles

Authors

¹ Department of Anthropology Yarmouk University - Jordan

² Department of Archaeology Yarmouk University Irbid - Jordan

³ Globe Institute Section for Molecular Ecology and Evolution Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences Copenhagen, Denmark

⁴ Global Institute Section for Molecular Ecology and Evolution Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences

⁵ Department of Anthropology Yarmouk University Irbid - Jordan

⁶ Department of Anthropology Faculty of Archaeology and Anthropology Yarmouk University Irbid-Jordan

⁷ Department of Anthropology Yarmouk University Irbid-Jordan

10.21608/shedet.2025.326543.1273

Abstract

Scurvy, a disease resulting from vitamin C (ascorbic acid) deficiency, leaves distinct skeletal markers that are well-documented in bioarchaeological studies, providing valuable insights into the characteristics of this metabolic disorder. This research investigates the osteological indicators and manifestations of scurvy in a young individual from the Byzantine period at the Khirbet el-Bediyah archaeological site in Jordan. While scurvy has been identified globally in archaeological contexts, few cases have been reported in Jordan, making this study particularly valuable for understanding the broader health and nutritional patterns of the region during the Byzantine era. The skeletal analysis revealed several diagnostic features of scurvy, including subperiosteal new bone formation (SPNB) on the long bones, porosity on the cranial bones, and cortical abnormalities on the mandible. The study applies established diagnostic criteria for scurvy, offering a comprehensive assessment of the lesions. The results highlight the significance of scurvy as a health condition in Byzantine Jordan and contribute to the growing body of knowledge on nutritional deficiencies, health disparities, and their socio-cultural implications in ancient Mediterranean societies.

Keywords