Children of Svodín: An Insight Into the Lives of Late Neolithic (4800–4115 bc) Subadults From Slovakia

Despite the allegedly high proportion of subadults, limited attention has been paid to children and understanding their role and position in prehistoric communities. By investigating the skeletal remains of children from the Late Neolithic Lengyel population from Svodín, Slovakia (4900–4700 cal bc), within their environment and archaeological context, this article provides insight into childhood and children's place in the Lengyel culture community. Altogether, 59 subadult skeletons from Svodín were macroscopically analyzed, evaluating their age at death, health status, and lifestyle. Subadults of all ages and social status manifested signs of long-lasting increased metabolic stress and/or infectious diseases. These results seem to correspond with the presumption of worsened environmental conditions and resource shortage at the end of the Neolithic. Injuries observed in adolescents and adults at the Lengyel sites seem consistent with small-scale raids, possibly for resources. Individuals skilled in acquiring food seem to have gained increased importance, with their status passing down to their kin, although adolescents may have been expected to contribute to the community and achieve their status on their own. The roundel area likely held special significance for the community, being designated for unborn or newborn infants, solitary children, and those linked to the supernatural. Stillborns and/or perinates were probably not yet perceived as part of the community. Toddlers and older children seem to have been recognized as members of society, their status reflecting that of their (closest) kin, regardless of their health. The shift from the “world of play” towards the “real life” also seems to manifest in osteoarchaeological records.