Pulmonary pathologies: bioarchaeological insights from the adult individuals of the church of San Colombano, Bobbio

Abstract

INTRODUCTIONThe Church of San Colombano in Bobbio, Italy, represents one of the most important centers of early medieval monasticism in Europe and offers a valuable context for bioarchaeological research. Among the most significant discoveries is Tomb 1, a deep, multi-use burial chamber containing commingled remains of numerous individuals. The assemblage provides an opportunity to investigate health conditions and lived experiences within a medieval monastic community.STUDY AIMThis study aims to investigate external rib lesions in adult individuals interred in Tomb 1, with particular attention to pathological alterations potentially related to respiratory disease, trauma, or nonspecific inflammatory processes, while also reconstructing aspects of the individuals’ biological profiles.MATERIALS AND METHODSAnthropological analysis was conducted on the osteological remains recovered, comprising a minimum of 11 adults. Standard methods were applied for sex and age-at-death estimation, while rib preservation and fragmentation were assessed following established protocols. Macroscopic paleopathological examination focused on ribs, with detailed photographic documentation used to record surface alterations, new bone formation, and degenerative changes.RESULTSFive adult individuals preserved rib fragments suitable for pathological assessment. Observed lesions include periosteal new bone formation, microporosity, striations, widened costal grooves, and degenerative changes at articular facets. Notably, most alterations affect the ventral rib surface, while visceral involvement is limited and focal. Vertebral remains show degenerative changes but no clear evidence of infectious destruction.CONCLUSIONSThe predominance of external rib surface lesions, combined with the absence of osteolytic changes, suggests that healed trauma, mechanical stress, or chronic nonspecific periosteal reactions are more likely than classic pleuro-pulmonary infections such as tuberculosis. Although definitive diagnoses are precluded by fragmentation and commingling, the Bobbio assemblage highlights the interpretative complexity of rib pathology and underscores the importance of cautious, contextualized approaches in paleopathological research on medieval populations.