Reconstructing Life Histories Using Multi‐Tissue Isotope Analysis of Commingled Remains from St Stephen's Monastery in Jerusalem: Limitations and Potential |
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| Authors: | L A Gregoricka S G Sheridan M Schirtzinger |
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| Institution: | 1. Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Social Work, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, USA;2. Department of Anthropology, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA;3. College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA |
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| Abstract: | The examination of isotope ratios from multiple tissues offers new life to interpretations of commingled assemblages where information regarding individual biological history has been lost. Here, life histories from a commingled sample of Byzantine monks were reconstructed using enamel and bone δ13C and δ15N values. The δ13C values suggest a diet dominated by C3 products, while the δ15N ratios indicate variable contributions of animal protein. After correcting for tissue‐specific enrichment factors, bone δ13C values were significantly enriched over enamel; this may be due to an increase in protein consumption, but could also reflect structural differences between tissues or correction factors used to compare these data. |
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| Keywords: | Stable Isotopes Carbon Nitrogen Bone Collagen Enamel Carbonate Byzantine Near East |
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