Concept of the project

The concept behind the project is based on three main phases

Phase 1.

The main aim of the first phase of the project will be to provide the most representative sample for the purpose of DNA analysis of the pathogen.

The skeletal material that will be used in the project derives from five cemeteries: two cemeteries dated into the 6th century CE (80-100 graves), two cemeteries dated between the 6th and 8th centuries CE (137 graves), and one cemetery dated between the 7th and 9th centuries CE (197 graves). All cemeteries are previously excavated sites with precise chronological frameworks and available archaeological context data, located on the territory of modern-day Serbia.

Phase 2.

Once we have performed all necessary preparation, we will create a representative sample that will be sent to the appropriate laboratory for the purpose of pathogen DNA analyses.

Phase 3.

Within this phase, all data will be collected and statistically processed in order to reconstruct the genetic diversity (micro and macro) of the plague in the Late Antique/early medieval period on the territory of Central and South-eastern Europe.