A Rocky Start: The Conundrum of a Post-Medieval Burial Ground in Gibraltar

DEVIN WARD; EMMA POMEROY; JENNIFER GRANT; SAM BENADY; CLIVE FINLAYSON; MARIA CRISTINA REYNOSO DEL RIO; JOSE MARÍA GUTIERREZ LÓPEZ; KEVIN LANE

New Orleans, LA

Congreso; The American Association of Physical Anthropologists Annual Meeting; 2017

American Association of Physical Anthropologists

Excavations in 2014 at the old St. Bernard?s Hospital site, Gibraltar, revealed a previouslyunknown cemetery containing over 200 single and multiple burials. A hospital was founded at this site in 1567 to treat sailors, before a British military take over in 1704 and the building?s conversion into barracks by 1754. It was reconverted into a civilian hospital and used as such from the 19th century onwards.Initial results indicate an unusual assemblage: of the 123 more complete skeletons there is amarked predominance of adolescents/young adults (53% aged 15-35 years, vs 14% aged 35-50 years, 4% >50 years, 29% uncategorised adults), as well as a high proportion of males (48%, vs 9% females, 44% indeterminate). Non-adults are represented by only a few isolated elements.The skeletons display a typical range of ailments for the period, but lack perimortem trauma. This osteological profile would be consistent with either the 16th-17th Century hospice, or 18th century military hospital (with infectious diseases deaths far outnumbering combat deaths).However, three direct 15th century radiocarbon dates directly on the skeletons contradict either scenario. Nitrogen levels would suggest the possibility of a marine reservoir effect, implying a more recent date. This conclusion is also supported by preliminary material culture analysis, consistent with a 16th-17th century date.Our interdisciplinary project seeks to further address the origin and nature of the burials. Ongoing isotopic, DNA and material studies analyses will serve to further address these topics and shed light on this major crossroads of post-medieval life.