Human and animal interaction identified in the Viking Age

Since 2001, ancient DNA has been used in paleoparasitological studies to identify eggs found in soil samples from prehistoric periods, because identification cannot be done by morphological study alone. The species of human parasites living during these periods, provide scientists with a better understanding of how Paleolithic societies might have been organized, with regard to human presence, animal domestication, hunting, and gathering.

Eggs isolated from K283. (A–C) Trichuris sp. eggs with intact polar plugs and varying 
from a granular inside to more structure. This indicates a different stage of embryonation. 
(D, E) Ascaris sp. eggs of different size, shape, and albuminous coat. (F) Fasciola sp. egg. 
All images are shown at the same magnification (×400), with scale bars being 50 μm
 in total, divided into 5 segments [Credit: Journal of Parasitology]

In the article “DNA typing of ancient parasite eggs from environmental samples identifies human and animal worm infections in Viking-age settlement,” in the Journal of Parasitology, the authors collected soil samples from a Viking-aged settlement in Denmark dating back to 1018–1030 A.D. These samples contained fully intact eggs of human roundworms and whipworms.

This finding shows that humans were present in this settlement, and it is believed that pigs were kept as domesticated animals, with sheep and cattle grazing in nearby pastures.

In this study, it was determined that both morphological and molecular analysis were needed to appropriately determine to which hosts the parasites were linked.

Excavation of Viking-age workshop at Viborg, Denmark. Black boxes show the position 
of sampled contexts. Wooden fences (brown sticks) separate the workshop and the latrine,
 and the latrine and surroundings to the west. The ‘+' marks show a 1-m grid with total
 excavated area being 7 × 10 m. [Credit: Journal of Parasitology]

Identifying the size and shape of the eggs was not sufficient to determine species, but because the eggs were completely intact, DNA could be extracted and studied for species identification.

Although, as with most studies, false positives may occur, however it is the opinion of these authors that using a combination of both morphological and molecular analysis of soil samples will help to identify historic human parasite infections as well as human and animal interactions.

This type of knowledge will help researchers understand modern day parasitic infections as well as help historians understand ancient cultural interactions.

Source: PRWeb [March 05, 2015]