Stable isotopic evidence for diet at the Imperial Roman coastal site of Velia (1st and 2nd Centuries AD) in Southern Italy

Abstract

Here we report on a stable isotope palaeodietary study of a Imperial Roman population interred near the port of Velia in Southern Italy during the 1st and 2nd centuries AD. Carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analyses were performed on collagen extracted from 117 adult humans as well as a range of fauna to reconstruct individual dietary histories. For the majority of individuals, we found that stable isotope data were consistent with a diet high in cereals, with relatively modest contributions of meat and only minor contributions of marine fish. However, substantial isotopic variation was found within the population, indicating that diets were not uniform. We suggest that a number of individuals, mainly but not exclusively males, had greater access to marine resources, especially high trophic level fish. However, the observed dietary variation did not correlate with burial type, number of grave goods, nor age at death. Also, individuals buried at the necropolis at Velia ate much less fish overall compared with the contemporaneous population from the necropolis of Portus at Isola Sacra, located on the coast close to Rome. Marine and riverine transport and commerce dominated the economy of Portus, and its people were in a position to supplement their own stocks of fish with imported goods in transit to Rome, whereas at Velia marine exploitation existed side-by-side with land-based economic activities.

The Islamic cemetery at 33 Bartomeu Vicent Ramon, Ibiza: investigating diet and mobility through light stable isotopes in bone collagen and tooth enamel

“…The minor contribution of marine protein could be emphasised in δ 15 N over δ 13 C coll , recalling that the latter will to some degree reflect carbohydrates and lipids as well as proteins (cf. Craig et al 2009). Ovicaprids are the most important animals in Islamic period diets, but they show a wide range of δ 15 N values, and would be highest for the culturally favoured suckling lamb and kid due to the nursing effect.…”

Stable isotope and multi-analytical investigation of Monte da Cegonha: A Late Antiquity population in southern Portugal

“…Measuring the carbon (δ 13 C co ) and nitrogen (δ 15 N) isotopic ratios of bone collagen is a well-established technique for reconstruction of ancient diets (Bogaard et al, 2007;Craig et al, 2009;Keenleyside et al, 2009). Carbon isotope values can be used to distinguish plants using the C 3 and C 4 photosynthetic pathways and the individuals consuming these plants (Budd et al, 2013;Chenery et al, 2010).…”

Gluten-Free Rome: Celiac disease in the bioarchaeological record

“…Isotope studies from throughout Italy have demonstrated the dietary breadth of the Empire. For example, Romans at Velia consumed a higher proportion of cereals (Craig et al 2009), whereas those at Isola Sacra likely consumed more marine foods than other areas (Prowse et al 2004) and those at St. Callixtus consumed a higher proportion of freshwater resources (Rutgers et al 2009).…”