Abstract

Bones from an Arabian site dating back to the 2nd millenium BC have been studied for their special decomposition patterns resulting from desert burial conditions. This bone diagenesis was caused by dissolution and recrystallization processes in the mineral matrix. Also extensive secondary mineralisation by formation of CaCO3 could be found. This secondary contamination with carbonate has to be taken in account within biochemical analyses of excavated bones. Despite the extensive diagenetic changes routine histology could be done on the samples by the use of microradiography.