Exploring mortuary practices and mobility patterns of Eneolithic human groups in northern Italy and eastern Europe: osteoarchaeological, proteomic and multi-isotope analyses

The Eneolithic period represents a key phase in the development of complex social structures, characterised by remarkable variability in funerary rituals and by extensive interregional contacts documented in the archaeological record. This research adopts a multidisciplinary approach to reconstruct mortuary practices and assess individual and group mobility across selected Eneolithic sites. The study focuses on five contexts in northern Italy, located in eastern Emilia and Romagna: Parco dei Gessi Bolognesi, Bologna Aeroporto, Fornace Cappuccini, Celletta dei Passeri and Gattolino, spanning from the Final Neolithic to the Early Bronze Age. Three comparative sites from continental Croatia, Potočani, Lovas-Kovači and Đakovo-Franjevac, were also examined for their diverse funerary expressions and evidence of interpersonal violence. The study aims to identify similarities and distinctions in funerary behaviours, reconstruct the biological profiles of the deceased and explore the relationship between mortuary practices, social organisation and mobility, including the analysis of biodistances. Through the integration of osteoarchaeological, proteomic (amelogenin peptide analysis) and isotopic (strontium, carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis) data, the study reveals variable funerary practices, including peri-mortem manipulation and selective deposition of anatomical elements, reflecting both local traditions and broader symbolic frameworks. Distinctive features, such as female burials accompanied by weapons, suggest evolving gender roles and emerging social differentiation. Isotopic results indicate predominantly local origins for most individuals, alongside evidence of medium- and long-distance mobility, likely linked to trade and ritual purposes. The analysis of biodistances using non-metric dental traits confirms these patterns. By integrating archaeological, anthropological and biochemical evidence for the study of funerary contexts, this research provides a more comprehensive understanding of social complexity, identity negotiation and population dynamics in Eneolithic Europe, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to the study of past societies.