The Measurements of Teeth in Inhabitants of Adramytteion and their Comparisons with Ancient Anatolian Populations

• Main Authors: Derya Atamtürk, İzzet Duyar
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Gaziantep University 2008-06-01
• Series: Gaziantep University Journal of Social Sciences
• Subjects: Antropoloji; Odontometri; Arkeoloji; Paleodontoloji; Diş biçimi; Diş boyutları; Anthropology; Odontometry; Archaeology; Paleodontology; Tooth size; Tooth shape; Dental reduction
• Online Access: http://dergipark.gov.tr/jss/issue/24257/257126?publisher=gantep

Teeth and jaws unearthed from the anthropological and archaeological excavations are of importance since they have potential to reflect biological and cultural characteristics of ancient populations. In this study, it is aimed to present the dental size and shape of the skeletons of ancient inhabitants of Adramytteion (Western Anatolia, Turkey, 5-6th century AD). In addition, dental measurements of inhabitants of Adramytteion are compared with data of other skeletal collections. Totally 212 permanent teeth are observed, but 170 teeth (of 98 belong to males, and of 86 belong to females) are found suitable for odontometric examinations. Mesio-distal (MD) and bucco-lingual (BL) dimensions are measured, and derived variables, total crown area, crown area for anterior teeth, and crown area for posterior teeth are calculated. The statistical analysis shows that there are no significant size differences between left and right teeth and between sexes. The comparisons with other skeletal populations demonstrate that the tooth size and shape of ancient inhabitants of Adramytteion are similar to those of Norşuntepe (Iron Age) and Topaklı (Early Byzantine). These comparisons reveal also that although Panaztepe (2nd Millenium BC) and Antandros (7-2nd century BC) are geographically near places to our sample, the sizes of teeth are found quite different. This finding has implied that dental measurements could not be used to determine biological relations of ancient human populations. Additionally, our findings have indicated that dental reduction in this region have been continued throughout the Early Byzantine period