Health and lifestyle in the Iron Age Italian community of Pontecagnano (Campania, Italy, 7th-6th century BCE)

This study investigates health, dental development, diet, and human-environment
interactions in individuals buried in the necropolises of Pontecagnano (Campania,
Italy, 7th-6th century BCE), using an integrated approach merging dental histomorphometry
and calculus micro-residue analysis. The sample consists of 30 permanent
teeth (canines, first and second molars) from 10 individuals. Histomorphometric
analysis of dental thin sections allowed the estimation of crown formation times, initial
cusp formation, crown completion, and enamel extension rates. The prevalence of
Accentuated Lines, marking physiological stress events, was analyzed chronologically
across tooth classes. Dental calculus analysis was performed on five individuals,
identifying plant micro-remains and fungal spores. Crown formation times varied
by tooth class, with canines forming the longest (mean = 1,977 ± 295 days), followed
by second molars (mean = 1,176 ± 179 days) and first molars (mean = 1,094 ± 154
days). Initial cusp formation values, estimated through chronological overlap between
teeth, allowed for a more accurate reconstruction of crown completion timing. Accentuated
Lines prevalence peaked at 12 and 44 months, likely reflecting early childhood
dietary transitions and the differential recording of stress events across different
crown regions. Calculus analysis identified starch granules from cereals (Triticeae)
and legumes (Fabaceae), fungal spores (Saccharomyces), and plant fibers, indicating
diverse dietary practices, food processing, and extra-masticatory activities. This
interdisciplinary approach reinforces the validity of combining histomorphometric and
micro-residue analyses to reconstruct childhood health, adult diet, and lifestyle. Our
PLOS One | https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0338448 January 14, 2026 2 / 25
findings align with previous research while emphasizing population-specific variations. This study enhances understanding of Iron Age biocultural adaptations, offering insights into developmental and dietary behaviors in this ancient Italian community.