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Abstract:
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Fluctuating asymmetry is frequently used as an indicator of developmental stress. This study assesses asymmetry in a Roman Imperial sample from the coast of Italy. The purpose of this investigation was to analyze asymmetry in the adult dentition of 54 individuals from the necropolis of Velia in order to record overall magnitude of FA and the presence or absence of directional asymmetry and antisymmetry. The data was evaluated for patterns such as sex and size differences in FA frequencies, differences between maxillary and mandibular teeth, differences between the mesiodistal and buccolingual dimensions, differences between posterior and anterior teeth, and correspondence to field theory. Tests showed that the Velia sample had no directional asymmetry or antisymmetry present. Analyses of fluctuating asymmetry revealed that Velia males consistently have more asymmetry than females. No significant differences were noted between dimensions, however significantly higher asymmetry was noted for the posterior teeth, and for the maxillary teeth in both sexes. The asymmetry frequencies loosely correspond to dental field theory for both males and females. Evidence of skeletal and dental pathology from Velia and similar Imperial Roman samples indicate that stress during growth and development was common. The presence of fluctuating asymmetry at Velia confirms that fluctuating dental asymmetry is a useful indicator of developmental instability. |
