D.M. MITTLER, S.G. SHERIDAN and D.P. VAN GERVEN.
University of Colorado

"Temporal Changes in Nutritional Stress, Degenerative Disease and Mortality at Pueblo Grande, Arizona."
DENIS P. VAN GERVEN, SUSAN GUISE SHERIDAN AND DIANE M MITTLER, University of Colorado, Boulder

Recent analysis of human remains from the Classic Hohokam site of Pueblo Grande in Phoenix, Arizona have revealed a striking pattern of increased mortality, nutritional stress and degenerative disease.  Life table analysis of Early and late phases of the Classic period revealed a 13% reduction in mean life expectancy at birth with an overall reduction of 8.4% from birth through 55+ years.  Corresponding to this increased mortality, the severity of iron deficiency anemia among adults also increases.  Additionally, age related bone loss (osteopenia) undergoes a dramatic increase from Early to Late Classic times, particularly among males.  The interaction of these biological measures of mortality and morbidity correspond closely to an emergent archaeological record of increased population aggregation and resource diminishment and may provide a biocultural explanation for the ultimate abandonment of the Pueblo.