Methodological validation and inter-site analysis in Late Bronze and Early Iron Age cremations using tooth cementum annulation counts

Abstract Estimating age at death in archaeological populations is often limited by poor skeletal preservation, particularly in cremated remains. Tooth cementum annulation counts (TCAc), based on incremental lines of Salter (ILS), offer a promising alternative. In this study, TCAc is evaluated in terms of feasibility, microstructural preservation and internal consistency in cremated archaeological teeth, focusing on methodological applicability rather than chronological accuracy. We analysed 62 roots from eight Lusatian Urnfield culture cemeteries in southwestern Poland, dating to the Late Bronze and Early Iron Age. Undecalcified transverse sections were prepared, and ILS were examined alongside two complementary indicators: ILS width (ILSw) and the ratio of acellular extrinsic fibre cementum thickness to ILSw (AEFCt/ILSw). Results showed good intra- and inter-observer repeatability of ILSc, and both AEFCt and ILSc displayed significant age-related increases ( p < 0.01). Combined estimates based on TCAc and AEFCt/ILSw yielded narrower age ranges than morphology alone. ILSw did not differ by sex, age group or tooth type, but varied significantly between cemeteries ( p < 0.001), potentially reflecting environmental or life-history factors. These findings indicate that TCAc shows practical potential for use on cremated archaeological material, while also highlighting the need for future comparisons with known-age collections to refine interpretative standards.