Dabbs GR. Menarche at Amarna: Timing and the further implications.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2024;
183:e24856. [PMID:
37787566 DOI:
10.1002/ajpa.24856]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
This article examines skeletal development in non-elite individuals from Amarna to identify the age of menarche.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The total sample (n = 267; 65 female, 39 male, 163 indeterminate) was examined for six variables indicative of the pubertal stage (mineralization of the mandibular canine root [n = 46], distal radius fusion [n = 227], proximal ulna fusion [n = 220], distal humerus fusion [n = 237], presence of the iliac crest epiphysis [n = 24], iliac crest fusion [n = 199]). Age and sex estimates are based on standard criteria for dental development and eruption, cranial and pelvic morphology, and post-cranial metric analysis.
RESULTS
The iliac crest epiphysis is rarely present before age 15 years. Beginning fusion of the distal radius and iliac crest suggests that by age 19, most individuals have entered the maturation phase, providing book ends for the timing of menarche. Variables elucidating the peak height velocity (proximal ulna and distal humerus fusion) narrow that span and suggest menarche is achieved around 15-17 years for most individuals, with a broader estimate of 14-19 years encompassing the known diversity in timing of menarche.
DISCUSSION
Menarche is commonly cited as an indicator of adult status. The observed later entrance into this life stage, and the associated reduced fertility, has broader implications for understanding of economic, social, biological, and demographic patterns observed at Amarna and among different social groups in the ancient city, as well as individual life histories.
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