Isotopic reconstruction of diet at the Vandalic period (ca. 5th–6th centuries AD) Theodosian Wall cemetery at Carthage, Tunisia

Abstract

Here we present the first isotopic investigation of a Vandalic period site (ca. 5th–6th centuries AD), the Theodosian Wall cemetery at Carthage, in modern day Tunis, Tunisia. The focus of this research is to determine the general diet and food consumption patterns of this population during this important and pivotal period of antiquity in North Africa. To this end, collagen stable isotope ratios (δ13C, δ15N) are reported for a variety of fauna (n = 20) and humans (n = 70). The human mean±SD results (δ13C = −19.3 ± 0.4‰; δ15N = 10.7 ± 1.4‰) reflect a diet that was based predominantly on C3 terrestrial plants with varying amounts of animal protein from domestic animals such as sheep/goats, cows, and pigs. No statistically significant isotopic differences between males and females, developmental age, or time period of burial were found. The isotopic results from the Theodosian Wall cemetery at Carthage are compared to eight previously published Roman and Early Byzantine sites from the Mediterranean region (Carrer Ample 1, Joan Planells, S'Hort des Llimoners (Spain); Isola Sacra, Velia, Herculaneum (Italy); Ephesus (Turkey); and Leptiminus (Tunisia)). The lack of significant amounts of marine foods in the diets of the Vandal era population at Carthage is in stark contrast to the Roman inhabitants of Leptiminus, where significant consumption of marine‐derived dietary resources was found. As Leptiminus is ~180 km southeast of Carthage, the work presented here shows that large dietary differences existed in North African populations during antiquity.

Bulla Regia II: Excavations in the Christian cemetery

“…Previous dietary isotope studies from Roman and Late Antique populations from Tunisia, although limited in number, have hinted at a diversity in subsistence strategies during late antiquity, particularly related to the consumption of aquatic resources (Keenleyside et al . 2009, Ma et al 2021). Preliminary data from bulk carbon (δ 13 C) and nitrogen (δ 15 N) stable isotope analysis of bone collagen of adults analysed from Bulla Regia so far are more in keeping with those published from Carthage (c. fifth to sixth century, Ma et al .…”

“…Non-locals from the Late Antique phase tended to be those buried in privileged tombs within funerary chapels at the site, which could reflect the mobility of wealthy town dwellers in the region in this period, perhaps along the Carthage-Hippo route. Previous dietary isotope studies from Roman and Late Antique populations from Tunisia, although limited in number, have hinted at a diversity in subsistence strategies during late antiquity, particularly related to the consumption of aquatic resources (Keenleyside et al 2009, Ma et al 2021. Preliminary data from bulk carbon (δ 13 C) and nitrogen (δ 15 N) stable isotope analysis of bone collagen of adults analysed from Bulla Regia so far are more in keeping with those published from Carthage (c. fifth to sixth century, Ma et al 2021) rather than Leptiminus (second to sixth century, Keenleyside et al 2009) in that there is little evidence for marine protein consumption.…”

“…Previous dietary isotope studies from Roman and Late Antique populations from Tunisia, although limited in number, have hinted at a diversity in subsistence strategies during late antiquity, particularly related to the consumption of aquatic resources (Keenleyside et al 2009, Ma et al 2021. Preliminary data from bulk carbon (δ 13 C) and nitrogen (δ 15 N) stable isotope analysis of bone collagen of adults analysed from Bulla Regia so far are more in keeping with those published from Carthage (c. fifth to sixth century, Ma et al 2021) rather than Leptiminus (second to sixth century, Keenleyside et al 2009) in that there is little evidence for marine protein consumption. Analysis of further individuals and contemporary animal remains is ongoing and further research will explore dietary biographies through analysis of tooth dentine.…”

“…Preliminary data from bulk carbon (δ 13 C) and nitrogen (δ 15 N) stable isotope analysis of bone collagen of adults analysed from Bulla Regia so far are more in keeping with those published from Carthage (c. fifth to sixth century, Ma et al . 2021) rather than Leptiminus (second to sixth century, Keenleyside et al . 2009) in that there is little evidence for marine protein consumption.…”