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Anna Wagner

Areas of interest

  • Palaeolithic Archaeology
  • Zooarchaeology
  • Subsistence Strategies / Diet
  • Archaeological Science
  • Human Evolution

Research centres and groups

COEXIST

Research projects

Unravelling the subsistence and diet of late Neanderthals and early Homo sapiens in Central and Southeast Europe

As a PhD student in the COEXIST project, I am eager to enhance our understanding of Neanderthal and Homo sapiens interactions. Recent advances in ancient DNA have shown interbreeding between our species, yet the details of these interactions—both chronologically and behaviourally—are still unclear. My work will utilize traditional zooarchaeological methods alongside advanced techniques in archaeological science, and proteomics to reconstruct this coexistence, essential for understanding how we became the last surviving human species.
I will apply Zooarchaeology by Mass Spectrometry (ZooMS) to analyse bone samples from central and southeastern Europe, dating between 55,000 - 45,000 years ago, where early Homo sapiens evidence has emerged. By identifying often-overlooked small bone fragments, I aim to uncover insights into the dietary practices and interactions of both species. This research could highlight key differences in subsistence strategies and their potential role in Neanderthal extinction, ultimately reshaping current views on these ancient populations.

Supervisors:

Dr Karen Ruebens (University of Reading)

Dr Geoff M. Smith (University of Reading)

Dr Britt Starkovich (University of Tübingen)

Background

I hold a BSc in Biology, a BA in Prehistory and Historical Archaeology, and an MSc in Evolutionary Anthropology (with Honors) from the University of Vienna, Austria. My MSc dissertation focused on analysing injuries and trauma in long bones from an Avar cemetery in Lower Austria, while my BA dissertation examined the faunal assemblage from an excavated square in Grub-Kranawetberg I, emphasizing taphonomy and evidence of burning. I have several years of experience in excavation and surveying (Austria and Kenya), as well as working with both human and animal osteological material. Additionally, I gained hands-on experience in an ancient DNA lab before starting my PhD.

Websites/blogs

Publications

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