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Original Research
Biological divergence and equality during the first millennium BC in human populations of central Italy
Article first published online: 7 DEC 2006
DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.20593
Copyright © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Additional Information
How to Cite
Rubini, M., Mogliazza, S. and Corruccini, R. S. T. (2007), Biological divergence and equality during the first millennium BC in human populations of central Italy. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 19: 119–131. doi: 10.1002/ajhb.20593
Publication History
- Issue published online: 7 DEC 2006
- Article first published online: 7 DEC 2006
- Manuscript Accepted: 11 JAN 2006
- Manuscript Revised: 13 JUL 2005
- Manuscript Received: 20 JUN 2005
Funded by
- Ministero per i Beni e le Attività Culturali (S.T.R.A.P.)
- Abstract
- References
- Cited By
Abstract
The frequencies of nine discrete cranial traits are contrasted among 10 skeletal series of central Italy to assess the patterning of biological affinity or divergence. In this study various statistical applications were used: Mean Measure of Divergence (MMD), which was elaborated using the WPGMA cluster analysis, neighbor-joining method and principal coordinate analysis. The results show two main groups divided by the Apennines, which probably were a geographic barrier to biological exchange during the Italian Iron Age. This fact induced endogamous phenomena in the populations on the two sides of Italy (Adriatic and Tyrrenian) and probably increased the familial segregation of traits. The group on the western side has a further division between samples of the central coast and those of the southern coast. The latter samples seem to be more closely connected to Sardinian peoples, and this indicates gene flow and cultural contacts, which were not hindered by the sea. This segregation appears to have receded by Roman times. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 19:119–131, 2007. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.