Changing Identities and Burial Practices: Human Remains from the Former Synagogue of Agira, Sicily

This study examines commingled human remains recovered from the former synagogue of Agira (Enna, Italy), a historical city in central Sicily that hosted a vibrant Jewish community for centuries. Following the Jewish diaspora from Sicily in 1493, the synagogue was converted into a Catholic church. Archaeological excavations conducted in 2022–2023 uncovered three primary burials and three mass graves, which were in use until at least the 19th century. The human remains were examined by professional anthropologists as part of the reconstruction efforts. Detailed anthropological and paleopathological analyses revealed a minimum of 85 individuals, including 51 adults and 34 non-adults, aged from the perinatal period to 18 years. Sex estimation was possible for 32 of the adults, identifying 14 males and 18 females. A specialized approach was developed to analyze the commingled remains, maximizing the bioarchaeological insights obtained. All bone elements and associated pathologies were recorded, identifying several disease patterns potentially linked to the deceased individuals’ social status. The findings provide a significant contribution to the paleopathological profile of this historical population, underscoring that commingled remains can hold valuable insights. This research emphasizes the importance of anthropological expertise in similar contexts, offering guidance on the study, storage, and ethical considerations for the reburial of these remains within their original context.