Where are they from? A pilot bioarchaeological study to identify mass grave in Jicin (Eastern Bohemia)

SCHMIDTOVÁ, Dominika, Carlo COCOZZA, Petr HEJHAL, Pavel DRNOVSKÝ, Bohuslava ČEJKOVÁ, Věra KLONTZA and Luis Ricardo NEVES FERNANDES. Where are they from? A pilot bioarchaeological study to identify mass grave in Jicin (Eastern Bohemia). In Archaeology of Conflicts. 2023.

Basic information

• Original name: Where are they from? A pilot bioarchaeological study to identify mass grave in Jicin (Eastern Bohemia)
• Name (in English): Where are they from? A pilot bioarchaeological study to identify mass grave in Jicin (Eastern Bohemia)
• Authors: SCHMIDTOVÁ, Dominika, Carlo COCOZZA, Petr HEJHAL, Pavel DRNOVSKÝ, Bohuslava ČEJKOVÁ, Věra KLONTZA and Luis Ricardo NEVES FERNANDES.
• Edition: Archaeology of Conflicts, 2023.

Other information

• Type of outcome: Presentations at conferences
• Confidentiality degree: is not subject to a state or trade secret

Abstract (in English)

During a rescue archaeological excavation conducted in 2016, a mass grave section was discovered. The excavation revealed the remains of approximately 50 individuals, primarily males, in a commingled state. Unfortunately, the only artifacts recovered from the grave were simple metal buttons, rendering it difficult to provide a precise date and its linked historical event. However, these metal buttons could be associated with a standardized uniform of soldiers from the second half of the 18th century. During this period, the region faced events related to military conflicts, such as the War of Austrian Succession and the Seven Years' War. According to historical records, this suggests a possible affiliation with the Austrian or Prussian army. As part of our research, we conducted stable oxygen isotope analysis on ten bone and tooth carbonate samples from five individuals. This analysis aids in determining the place of origin. By doing so, we hoped to assess their military affiliation. Preliminary findings indicate that two individuals from the examined collection have an origin that can be linked to the Austro-Hungarian region. However, further research is required to verify and confirm these results