C₄‐Plant Foraging in Northern Italy: Stable Isotopes, Sr/Ca and Ba/Ca Data of Human Osteological Samples from Roccapelago (16th–18th Centuries AD)

Abstract

Human osteological samples (n = 23) taken from different anatomical parts of 11 individuals from the early modern (16th–18th century AD) site of Roccapelago (Modena, Italy) were systematically analysed for δ13C, δ15N and trace elements to investigate their diet. δ13C and δ15N correlate and show a high variability between individuals, attesting to the dietary contribution of C4 plants. This is supported by pollen analysis of the burial site samples, which revealed the presence of maize. δ15N correlates with Sr/Ca, suggesting that the main protein source could have been milk and dairy. We therefore interpret the strong correlation between δ13C and δ15N as evidence for C4‐plant foraging practice and the exploitation of livestock for meat and milk, combined with possible direct intake of C4 plants. The Roccapelago site represents an important case study to track the evolution of the post‐medieval diet and the introduction of maize cultivation in southern Europe, as also attested by historical sources.

Transhumance pastoralism of Roccapelago (Modena, Italy) early‐modern individuals: Inferences from Sr isotopes of hair strands

“…As previously suggested by others, hair samples from archaeological contexts may retain a primary isotopic signature (Font et al, ; Frei et al, ). Moreover, as reported by Lugli, Brunelli, Cipriani, et al (), human osteological samples from the Roccapelago crypt show little diagenetic alterations having been piled up in a crypt and not in the soil, and protected from rainwater. However, to check for possible post‐depositional contaminations, we analyzed leachates from the cleaning protocol of the hair samples.…”

“…A unique opportunity to test the application of Sr isotopes to human hair to distinguish mobility patterns has been given to us by the discovery of a church crypt in the village of Roccapelago (Modena, Italy) with partially mummified bodies of early‐modern individuals with well‐preserved hair samples (Lugli et al, ). Individuals from Roccapelago, as known from historical sources, practiced transhumance pastoralism to Tuscany (Figure ), a form of pastoralism and social organization, where herds, driven by shepherds, move long distances generally twice per year in search of new fertile pastures (Cazzola, ; Chang, ; Traversari, ).…”

“…After death, individuals were likely dropped through a manhole from the church floor, naturally forming this cumulus (Figus et al, ). All bodies from this layer were naturally mummified due to the peculiar environmental condition of the crypt, characterized by low humidity and high aeration (Gruppioni et al, ; Lugli, Brunelli, Cipriani, et al, ). These individuals were clothed in tunics, hats and heavy socks, some of them wrapped in shrouds and/or bags.…”

The influence of mobility strategy on the modern human talus

“…Anthropological and historical evidence suggests gender division in occupational activities at Roccapelago. Men were mainly involved in husbandry of cattle, materials handling, and transport, while women performed domestic tasks (Lugli et al, ; Traversari, ). Generally, the activities were carried out while barefoot or minimally shod (with socks reinforced on the foot plant and on the heels).…”

Copper exposure in medieval and post-medieval Denmark and northern Germany: its relationship to residence location and social position

“…For several decades it has been recognized that the chemical composition of human skeletal remains can contribute much to an understanding of past societies, especially with regard to dietary composition, migration, social position, and medical practices [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16]. Much of this work has focused on the stable isotopic composition of bone, although elemental concentrations have also played a part in this research.…”