Paleoparasitological evidence of helminth infections in individuals from two Late Iron Age necropolises in Northern Italy (3rd-1st c. BCE)

Abstract

Objective: Evaluate the presence of digestive macroparasites (helminths) in human remains from the Late Iron Age (3rd-1st c. BCE) in northern Italy (Verona province). Materials: Pelvic soil samples and control samples from the skull or foot areas of 55 individuals from the necropolises of Seminario Vescovile (n =45) and Povegliano Veronese (n =10). Methods: All samples were examined using brightfield optical microscopy. In addition, soil samples from 10 individuals from Seminario were analysed through paleogenetic methods in order to complement the microscopic analysis. Results: Thirty Ascaridida eggs in pelvic samples from 6 individuals (3 from Seminario and 3 from Povegliano: 6.7 % and 30 % of the respective samples) were evaluated. Evidence of roundworm infection was observed in both sexes and in adults and non-adult individuals. Conclusion: The presence of Ascaridida, likely Ascaris sp., eggs at both sites suggests that ineffective sanitation may have contributed to parasite exposure in these Late Iron Age communities. Significance: This study provides novel insights into environmental and health risks among Iron Age communities. It also highlights the need for a critical assessment of taphonomic factors and sampling procedures when interpreting paleoparasitological data. Limitations: The low frequency of identified eggs and the absence of recoverable parasite DNA at Seminario highlight taphonomic factors as a potential source of bias. The limited sample size from Povegliano also warrants caution in interpretation. Suggestions for further research: Future studies integrating paleoparasitological and anthropological data are essential to evaluate the prevalence of parasitic infections in Iron Age populations from the Italian Peninsula.