Dental analysis of Iron Age remains in southern Italy reveals early childhood stress and fermented diets

Ancient teeth from Pontecagnano reveal how Iron Age Italians faced childhood stress and consumed a diet of cereals, legumes, and fermented drinks.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 5, 2026, 3:29 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from PLOS

Resilience of Ancient Dental Archives

Biological records preserved within human teeth have provided researchers with a detailed timeline of life in Iron Age Italy. A study led by Roberto Germano of Sapienza University of Rome utilized the durable nature of dental enamel and hardened plaque to reconstruct the life histories of individuals buried at the Pontecagnano site. These remains, dating back to the 7th and 6th centuries BC, act as microscopic time capsules that retain chemical and physical evidence of health and behavior long after other organic tissues have decayed.

Reconstructing Early Childhood Development

The research team performed a histological analysis of 30 teeth belonging to 10 individuals to identify growth patterns during the first six years of life. By examining the microscopic growth lines in the enamel of canines and molars, the scientists detected significant disruptions at two specific intervals: approximately one year and four years of age. These stress signals are indicative of vulnerable developmental stages, possibly triggered by illnesses or the nutritional transitions associated with weaning and changes in early childhood behavior.

Microscopic Evidence of Dietary Diversity

To understand adult life at the Pontecagnano site, the team analyzed dental calculus, commonly known as hardened plaque. This substance trapped microscopic debris from the food and beverages consumed by the inhabitants nearly three millennia ago. The analysis revealed a variety of starch granules from cereals and legumes, as well as plant fibers. These findings suggest a community with a robust agricultural foundation and a diet rich in complex carbohydrates, reflecting a stable and resourceful sedentary society.