Abstract/Summary

Bioarchaeological research has highlighted the importance of studying mother-infant relationships, demonstrating that the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) hypothesis can provide unique insight into pass stress events. Studies propose that experiences within approximately the first 1000 days after conception can influence long-term health, longevity, and genetic markers as the developing body responds to the surrounding environment and makes predictive adaptations accordingly. Non-adult skeletons provide a record of early life experiences, while adults reflect survivorship. Yet, studies traditionally analyse non-adult or adult health, with few examining the two in tandem to detect a multi-generational health impact. By viewing this relationship as interlinked, a unique insight into the long-term consequences of stress events can be ascertained. To explore this, a total of 444 non-adults aged below 3.5 years (encapsulating experiences during the first 1000 days after conception and early life) and 277 adult females of childbearing age (18-45 years old) from Iron Age and Romano-British sites were analysed (dating from BCE 4th century to 4 th century CE). Iron Age communities from across England were compared to rural and urban Roman sites located in the south and central belt. This encapsulated a transition between regional Iron Age societies to a Roman occupied province; a period marked by cultural and socioeconomic upheaval, making it ideal to view long-term health impact. Health was assessed through palaeopathological analysis and metrics (encapsulating growth faltering and obstetric hazards). Results showed significantly higher rates of physiological stress and other indicators of poor health in non-adults (n=112/222, 50.5%; χ 2=30.2 p<0.01, d.f.=2) and females (n=112/159, 70.4%; X 2=46.4, p<0.01, d.f.=2) living under Roman rule, compared to pre-contact individuals from Iron Age Britain (non-adults: n=40/150, 26.7%; females: n=44/115, 38.3%). This implies the health of communities was negatively impacted. Common changes observed included dental enamel hypoplasia, non-specific infection, metabolic conditions, growth faltering and pelvic morphology. This research demonstrates that the Roman occupation of Britain had a long-lasting negative impact on the health of the non-adults and adult females generations later.