The geochemical analysis of bioapatite in vertebrate skeletal tissues is an important tool used to obtain ecological information from fossil animals. An important consideration when conducting stable isotope and trace element analyses is obtaining biogenic information that has been unaffected by diagenetic processes. A two-step pretreatment procedure is commonly used remove diagenetically altered material by removing organic material, via an oxidation reaction with H2O2 or NaOCl, and secondary carbonate, via dissolution in dilute acetic acid, from bioapatite. While much work has been done to determine the efficacy of the pretreatment process, little research has been conducted to determine the potential effects of this process on the oxygen isotope composition of enamel bioapatite. A comparison between δ18O values of fossil enamel treated with 18O-depleted (δ18O = -10.0 / V-SMOW) and 18O-enriched solutions (δ18O = +16.4 / V-SMOW). On average, samples treated with 18O-enriched solutions had δ18O values at least 0.4 / V-PDB more positive than samples treated with 18O-depleted solutions. These results suggest that the isotopic composition of solutions used in the pretreatment process can significantly affect the δ18O values of fossil enamel prior to isotopic analysis. Diagenetic alteration can potentially be assessed using the linear relationship between δ18O values of the carbonate and phosphate components of bioapatite, as any deviation from a slope of 1 suggests alteration. Comparing the relationship between δ18Op and δ18Oc for fossil mammals from the Hadar Formation suggests that this method is successful at identifying samples that are significantly different from the remaining samples due to diagenetic alteration. The relationship between δ18Oc and δ18Op for the majority of sampled fossils from the Hadar Formation has a slope very close to 1 with an average offset, and apparent fractionation factor, between δ18Oc and δ18Op consistent with modern mammals. Therefore, it is likely that many of the fossil mammals sampled from the Hadar Formation retain in vivo δ18O values relating to the δ18O value of the water they consumed. The reliability of paleodietary reconstructions using trace element ratios (notably Sr/Ca and Ba/Ca) is strongly dependent on the preservation of biogenic trace element concentrations. Although most trace element ratio research relies on bone bioapatite, enamel has a better preservation potential and may successfully preserve biogenic trace element relationships. An analysis of Sr/Ca, Ba/Ca, and Zn/Ca ratios indicates that, despite rare earth element concentrations greater than the 1ppm observed in modern enamel, mammals from the Hadar and Busidima formations potentially reflect feeding strategies observed in modern counterparts, i.e. grazers have higher Sr/Ca and Ba/Ca ratios than browsers and omnivores

We report here a sample of 5 cheek teeth of a primitive hipparion from the early late Miocene Ethiopian locality of Chorora. This sample represents the oldest hipparion known from Ethiopia, and probably East and South Africa. The sample exhibits a number of distinctly primitive characters that suggest its provisional referral to "Cormohipparion" sp. The Chorora hipparion has none of the more advanced features typical of the latest Miocene-Pleistocene African hipparionine lineage Eurygnathohippus, maintaining a low crown height, lack of ectostylids and pli caballinids. The Chorora hipparion does exhibit a mesowear signal, suggesting that it was a mixed-feeder. The carbon isotope signal also suggests that it was a mixed-feeder that included both browse and C4 grass in its diet.

A análise de microfósseis vegetais é extremamente útil para a recuperação de informações acerca da utilização de plantas por grupo humanos do passado, especialmente em sítios arqueológicos em que os macro-restos botânicos são raros, como é o caso dos sambaquis. Estes micro-restos podem ser obtidos a partir de sedimento, coprólitos, utensílios de pedra ou cerâmica, assim como de cálculo dentário (tártaro). Durante a mastigação e a utilização dos dentes como ferramentas, micro partículas provenientes do alimento ou da matéria prima utilizada, como grãos de amido, fitólitos, fibras, ficam retidas na matriz do cálculo, podendo ali permanecer protegidas por milhares de anos. O tratamento químico do cálculo permite a recuperação destes microfósseis, que, uma vez quantificados e identificados, fornecem dados valiosos para a reconstrução de hábitos e dieta. Entretanto, existem sítios em que, além da má preservação dos macro-restos vegetais, restam apenas escassas marcas de cálculo dentário aderidos aos dentes, impedindo a obtenção de fragmentos de cálculo e conseqüentemente a recuperação dos microfósseis. A utilização de recursos vegetais pelos grupos construtores de sambaquis constitui uma área do conhecimento ainda pouco explorada. Dentre os sambaquieiros há aqueles com depósitos fartos de cálculo dentário, como é o caso em Jabuticabeira II (SC), mas também há aqueles que apresentam somente reduzidos depósitos de cálculo, como é o caso em Moraes (SP). Assim, os objetivos deste trabalho foram: processar e analisar quantitativamente o conteúdo do cálculo dentário de indivíduos de Jabuticabeira II; desenvolver e testar um método alternativo que permitisse a recuperação de microfósseis a partir de marcas de cálculo dentário (.dental wash.); aplicar este método alternativo nos indivíduos de Moraes e comparar os resultados obtidos entre os dois sítios. Através dos resultados obtidos concluiu-se que: - O método .dental wash. é eficiente para a recuperação de micro partículas a partir de marcas exíguas de cálculo dentário, e seus resultados são comparáveis àqueles obtidos através da técnica tradicional. Contudo, o .dental wash. pode tornar os dentes mais friáveis, prejudicando análises morfológicas e de microdesgaste. - Foram observados grãos de amido em praticamente todas as amostras de Jabuticabeira II e Moraes, enquanto fitólitos somente foram encontrados em poucas delas. Isso indica um importante aporte de alimento amiláceo em ambos os sítios, enquanto que apenas 134 alguns indivíduos consumiam uma dieta mais diversificada, constituída em parte de vegetais ricos em fitólitos. - Grãos de amido modificados (em ambos os sítios) e fragmentos escuros de origem vegetal (somente em Jabuticabeira II) indicam o preparo de alimentos através de cocção, maceração, abrasão. - A concentração média dos grãos de amido significativamente maior nas amostras de Moraes em comparação com Jabuticabeira II sugere que o aporte amiláceo tivesse sido maior em Moraes, o que é confirmado indiretamente através da maior freqüência de cáries. -Não parece ter havido distinção no aporte vegetal da dieta entre os sexos, já que não houve diferença das concentrações de amido e fitólitos entre homens e mulheres de Jabuticabeira II e Moraes. / The analysis of vegetal microfossils is paramount for the recovery of informations about plant use in past human groups, especially in archaeological contexts where macro remains are poorly preserved (as in shellmounds or sambaquis). Micro remains can be recovered from sediments, coprolites, stone artefacts, pottery, as well as from dental calculus. During the mastication and the use of the teeth as tools, micro particles like starch grains, phytoliths and fibers, become trapped in the dental calculus matrix. Chemical processing of dental calculus permits the extraction of microfossils. Quantification and identification allows reconstruction of habits and diet of past human groups. However, there are sites in which the calculus deposits do not preserve well enough to be processed using the traditional method. The plant use by Brazilian shellmound groups is still an underexplored matter. Among these there are groups like Jabuticabeira II (SC) with large deposits of dental calculus, where the traditional method can be applied, as well as others with just faint dental calculus marks, like Moraes (SP). Therefore, the aims of this work are to: process and analyse dental calculus contents from Jabuticabeira II individuals; develop and test a new method for the recovery of microfossils form cryptic dental calculus marks (dental wash); apply the dental wash in Moraes teeth; and, finally, to compare the results between both sites. The data obtained permit the following conclusions: -The dental wash technique is efficient for the recovery of microfossils from faint dental calculus marks and the results are comparable to those obtained by the traditional method. However, dental wash can preclude morphological and microwear analyses. - Starch grains were observed in almost all samples from both sites but the phytoliths were obtained only from few of them. This indicates that the vegetal diet in these sites was based mainly in storage organs of plants where only few individuals had a more diverse food intake, consuming also vegetal parts rich in phytoliths. - Modified starch grains found in both sites and dark plant fragments (charcoal) found only in Jabuticabeira II suggest food preparation. - The significant higher concentrations of starch grains in Moraes than in Jabuticabeira II, suggests that the intake of carbohydrate rich food was higher in Moraes. Indeed, this is corroborated by a much higher caries rates in the latter site. 136 -The absence of differences of starch and phytolith concentrations between men and women suggest that there was no distinction in the plant food consumed between the sexes.

A análise de microfósseis vegetais é extremamente útil para a recuperação de informações acerca da utilização de plantas por grupo humanos do passado, especialmente em sítios arqueológicos em que os macro-restos botânicos são raros, como é o caso dos sambaquis. Estes micro-restos podem ser obtidos a partir de sedimento, coprólitos, utensílios de pedra ou cerâmica, assim como de cálculo dentário (tártaro). Durante a mastigação e a utilização dos dentes como ferramentas, micro partículas provenientes do alimento ou da matéria prima utilizada, como grãos de amido, fitólitos, fibras, ficam retidas na matriz do cálculo, podendo ali permanecer protegidas por milhares de anos. O tratamento químico do cálculo permite a recuperação destes microfósseis, que, uma vez quantificados e identificados, fornecem dados valiosos para a reconstrução de hábitos e dieta. Entretanto, existem sítios em que, além da má preservação dos macro-restos vegetais, restam apenas escassas marcas de cálculo dentário aderidos aos dentes, impedindo a obtenção de fragmentos de cálculo e conseqüentemente a recuperação dos microfósseis. A utilização de recursos vegetais pelos grupos construtores de sambaquis constitui uma área do conhecimento ainda pouco explorada. Dentre os sambaquieiros há aqueles com depósitos fartos de cálculo dentário, como é o caso em Jabuticabeira II (SC), mas também há aqueles que apresentam somente reduzidos depósitos de cálculo, como é o caso em Moraes (SP). Assim, os objetivos deste trabalho foram: processar e analisar quantitativamente o conteúdo do cálculo dentário de indivíduos de Jabuticabeira II; desenvolver e testar um método alternativo que permitisse a recuperação de microfósseis a partir de marcas de cálculo dentário (.dental wash.); aplicar este método alternativo nos indivíduos de Moraes e comparar os resultados obtidos entre os dois sítios. Através dos resultados obtidos concluiu-se que: - O método .dental wash. é eficiente para a recuperação de micro partículas a partir de marcas exíguas de cálculo dentário, e seus resultados são comparáveis àqueles obtidos através da técnica tradicional. Contudo, o .dental wash. pode tornar os dentes mais friáveis, prejudicando análises morfológicas e de microdesgaste. - Foram observados grãos de amido em praticamente todas as amostras de Jabuticabeira II e Moraes, enquanto fitólitos somente foram encontrados em poucas delas. Isso indica um importante aporte de alimento amiláceo em ambos os sítios, enquanto que apenas 134 alguns indivíduos consumiam uma dieta mais diversificada, constituída em parte de vegetais ricos em fitólitos. - Grãos de amido modificados (em ambos os sítios) e fragmentos escuros de origem vegetal (somente em Jabuticabeira II) indicam o preparo de alimentos através de cocção, maceração, abrasão. - A concentração média dos grãos de amido significativamente maior nas amostras de Moraes em comparação com Jabuticabeira II sugere que o aporte amiláceo tivesse sido maior em Moraes, o que é confirmado indiretamente através da maior freqüência de cáries. -Não parece ter havido distinção no aporte vegetal da dieta entre os sexos, já que não houve diferença das concentrações de amido e fitólitos entre homens e mulheres de Jabuticabeira II e Moraes. / The analysis of vegetal microfossils is paramount for the recovery of informations about plant use in past human groups, especially in archaeological contexts where macro remains are poorly preserved (as in shellmounds or sambaquis). Micro remains can be recovered from sediments, coprolites, stone artefacts, pottery, as well as from dental calculus. During the mastication and the use of the teeth as tools, micro particles like starch grains, phytoliths and fibers, become trapped in the dental calculus matrix. Chemical processing of dental calculus permits the extraction of microfossils. Quantification and identification allows reconstruction of habits and diet of past human groups. However, there are sites in which the calculus deposits do not preserve well enough to be processed using the traditional method. The plant use by Brazilian shellmound groups is still an underexplored matter. Among these there are groups like Jabuticabeira II (SC) with large deposits of dental calculus, where the traditional method can be applied, as well as others with just faint dental calculus marks, like Moraes (SP). Therefore, the aims of this work are to: process and analyse dental calculus contents from Jabuticabeira II individuals; develop and test a new method for the recovery of microfossils form cryptic dental calculus marks (dental wash); apply the dental wash in Moraes teeth; and, finally, to compare the results between both sites. The data obtained permit the following conclusions: -The dental wash technique is efficient for the recovery of microfossils from faint dental calculus marks and the results are comparable to those obtained by the traditional method. However, dental wash can preclude morphological and microwear analyses. - Starch grains were observed in almost all samples from both sites but the phytoliths were obtained only from few of them. This indicates that the vegetal diet in these sites was based mainly in storage organs of plants where only few individuals had a more diverse food intake, consuming also vegetal parts rich in phytoliths. - Modified starch grains found in both sites and dark plant fragments (charcoal) found only in Jabuticabeira II suggest food preparation. - The significant higher concentrations of starch grains in Moraes than in Jabuticabeira II, suggests that the intake of carbohydrate rich food was higher in Moraes. Indeed, this is corroborated by a much higher caries rates in the latter site. 136 -The absence of differences of starch and phytolith concentrations between men and women suggest that there was no distinction in the plant food consumed between the sexes.

abstract: Migrations, past and present, fundamentally influence human interaction, community building, and social evolution. Studies of contemporary migrations demonstrate that the form and intensity of interaction migrants maintain between homeland and host communities shape social dynamics, innovations, and identities. This dissertation applies a contemporary theoretical framework and biogeochemical analyses to elucidate the scale, processes, and impacts of migration in the hinterland of the pre-Hispanic Tiwanaku polity (ca. AD 500-1100). Social diversity is examined by reconstructing the migration histories and dietary choices of individuals interred at the Tiwanaku-affiliated site of Omo M10 in the Moquegua Valley of southern Peru. Radiogenic strontium and stable oxygen isotope data from human dental and skeletal elements are used to characterize intra- and inter-individual paleomobility patterns at Omo M10. When contextualized with archaeological evidence, these data reveal multigenerational interaction through migration between communities in the highland Tiwanaku heartland and at Omo M10. The observed greater mobility of females and juveniles at Omo M10 indicates that women and families played an essential role in maintaining social relationships and persistent cultural continuity in Moquegua Tiwanaku life. Contact with the highlands waned over time as disruption in the urban highland centers likely weakened ties to peripheral lowland communities. Stable carbon and nitrogen data from human dental and skeletal elements are employed to estimate intra- and inter-individual paleodietary patterns. Results indicate diet at Omo M10 varied depending on an individual’s community affiliation, sex, age, and level of mobility; diet broadly changed over time with shifting levels of interaction with highland Tiwanaku communities. Intra-individual biogeochemical analyses of migration and diet at Omo M10 contribute a nuanced perspective on the diverse experiences of multigenerational colonists on the periphery of the Tiwanaku polity. / Dissertation/Thesis / Doctoral Dissertation Anthropology 2019

The medieval period of Denmark (11th-16th centuries) witnessed two of the worst demographic, health, and dietary catastrophes in history: the Late Medieval Agrarian Crisis (LMAC) and the Black Death plague epidemic. Historians have argued that these events resulted in a change in subsistence from a cereal grain to a more pastorallyfocused diet, and that the population decimation resulted in improved living conditions. This dissertation bioarchaeologically examines the impact of these historically described events on the diet and health of the population from Jutland, Denmark. I examine the stable isotopic ratios of carbon and nitrogen, dental caries, cribra orbitalia, porotic hyperostosis, periosteal reactions, and femur length to examine the samples for dietary and health differences due to sex, time period, site and social status. The results suggest that there are few chronological differences in diet or health in these samples. There are greater disparities among the sites, as peasants from the rural site had a more terrestrially-based diet and poorer health than the urban sites. While there is little difference in diet by sex, there is a disparity in health between the sexes. However, the direction of difference varies by site, suggesting that the relative treatment of the sexes was not universal in Denmark. While the results indicate there is little difference in health by status, there are dietary differences, as elites had a more marinebased diet than peasants. This research indicates the importance of bioarchaeological analysis in the interpretation of historical events. The recording of history is dependent on the viewpoint of the recorder and may not accurately reflect the importance of events on the the population itself. Bioarchaeological techniques examine skeletal material from the individuals in question and may provide a better understanding of the consequences of historic events on the population, such as the effects of the LMAC and Black Death on the population of Denmark. This research reveals that, contrary to historical expectation, these events did not have a measurable impact on Danish diet or health. Thus, the use of historical documentation and bioarchaeological analyses provides a richer understanding of these historical events.

This project tests the hypothesis that the Langobard migration into the Roman/Byzantine Veneto (northeastern Italy) resulted in significant dietary changes from Late Antiquity (4-5th centuries AD) to the Early Medieval period (6-8th centuries AD). At the end of the Great Germanic Migrations in AD 568, Langobards from Pannonia entered and occupied two-thirds of the Italian peninsula. It is unclear how large these migrations were, as historical documents exaggerate mass movements; however, conservative estimates suggest they made up 8% of the areas they occupied. The degree to which the Langobards influenced economic change and subsistence in this area is poorly understood. Therefore, the goal of this research is to use stable isotope analyses on human remains in conjunction with historical and archaeological data to understand how the migration of the Langobards influenced the population structure and political economy (diet) in the Veneto. A total of 149 individual bone samples from seven sites spanning the 4-8th centuries AD from the Veneto underwent stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis. In addition, 60 premolars were sampled for stable carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen isotope analysis to assess migration and dietary changes. Previous paleodietary analyses suggest that the traditional Roman diet consisted of C3 terrestrial plants, such as wheat and barley, and domesticated animals with some contributions from fish. The Langobards consumed a mix of C3 and C4 (millet and sorghum) terrestrial plants and animals. C4 plants such as millet were often considered a low socioeconomic status food source during the Roman Empire. The results indicate that migrating Langobards are not present in the cemetery samples; however, migrating Roman/Byzantines are. This suggests a migration inland from the Byzantine occupied coast for better economic prospects. Byzantine occupied areas in Italy experienced heavy taxations, while the Langobards reduced this burden on the location populations. The dietary analyses show significant differences in diet between local and non-local individuals, with non-local individuals consuming more C3 energy sources (wheat) earlier in life. In terms of overall diet in the Veneto, there appears to be an increase in millet consumption from Late Antiquity to the Early Medieval period. There are no significant differences in socioeconomic status or sex, suggesting that millet became standardized in the Veneto, reflecting a sociocultural change in dietary practices. This research is significant because it fills a geographical and chronological gap in Italian history, during a period of significant migration and economic change.

The Baltic region was a vibrant center of power and economic prosperity in medieval Europe; Lithuania in particular. Until now, little stable isotopic analysis has been utilized to assess diet in this region during this time period. The aim of this study was to undertake a preliminary assessment of the composition of diet at late medieval Alytus (late 14th to early 18th centuries) from bone (N=35) and dentin (N=38) collagen samples. The stable carbon isotopic data suggest a diet primarily comprised of C3 plants such as barley, rye, wheat, and flax, and animals consuming C3 plants. The stable nitrogen isotopic data indicate the use of aquatic resources, and reflects the protein portion of the diet as including mainly terrestrial non-legumes. There are no significant differences in the pattern of resource consumption between juvenile males and females. There is a significant difference between adult males and adult females; the more depleted bone collagen ?15N values indicates that adult females were consuming less protein resources, or protein resources of a lower trophic level, compared to their male counterparts. This difference could also be affected by physiological factors such as pregnancy or disease. A difference between juvenile and adult stable nitrogen isotope values might indicate latter weaning of juvenile males, the incorporation of more terrestrial or aquatic protein into juvenile male diet, the incorporation of less terrestrial or aquatic protein into adult female diet, or a combination of the three.

Yes / Santiago de Compostela is, together with Rome and Jerusalem, one of the three main pilgrimage and religious centres for Catholicism. The belief that the remains of St James the Great, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, is buried there has stimulated, since their reported discovery in the 9th century AD, a significant flow of people from across the European continent and beyond. Little is known about the practical experiences of people living within the city during its rise to prominence, however. Here, for the first time, we combine multi-isotope analysis (δ13C, δ15N, δ18Oap, δ13Cap, and 87Sr/86Sr) and radiocarbon dating (14C) of human remains discovered at the crypt of the Cathedral of Santiago to directly study changes in diet and mobility during the first three centuries of Santiago’s emergence as an urban centre (9th-12th centuries AD). Together with assessment of the existing archaeological data, our radiocarbon chronology broadly confirms historical tradition regarding the first occupation of the site. Isotopic analyses reveal that the foundation of the religious site attracted migrants from the wider region of the northwest corner of the Iberian Peninsula, and possibly from further afield. Stable isotope analysis of collagen, together with information on tomb typology and location, indicates that the inhabitants of the city experienced increasing socioeconomic diversity as it became wealthier as the hub of a wide network of pilgrimage. Our research represents the potential of multidisciplinary analyses to reveal insights into the origins and impacts of the emergence of early pilgrimage centres on the diets and status of communities within Christian medieval Europe and beyond. / This project has been supported by a grant from the ‘la Caixa’ Banking Foundation (ID 100010434; Code: LCF/BQ/ES16/11570006). Patxi Pérez-Ramallo and Patrick Roberts would also like to thank the Max Planck Society for funding for this project. Patxi Pérez-Ramallo, Hannah Koon and Julia Beaumont would like to thank the University of Bradford for funding a support the first osteological and stable isotope analysis conducted in 2015. Two of the isotopic analyses and 14C dates have been carried out with funding from the Xunta de Galicia to the CulXeo Group (ED431B 2018/47) and to the research network ‘Cultural Heritage, archaeological and technical services’ (R2016/023). Open Access funding enabled and organized by Projekt DEAL.

Yes / Breastfeeding is known to be a powerful mediator of maternal and childhood health, with impacts throughout the lifecourse. Paleodietary studies of the past thirty years have accordingly taken an enduring interest in the health and diet of young children as a potential indicator of population fertility, subsistence, and mortality patterns. While progress has been made in recent decades towards acknowledging the agency of children, many paleodietary reconstructions have failed to incorporate developments in cognate disciplines revealing synergistic dynamics between maternal and offspring biology. Central to this understanding has been heavy reliance on the “weanling’s dilemma”, in which infants are thought to face a bleak choice between loss of immunity or malnutrition. Using a review of immunological and epidemiological evidence for the dynamic and supportive role that breastfeeding plays throughout the complementary feeding period, this paper offers context and nuance for understanding past feeding transitions. We suggest that future interpretative frameworks for infant paleodietary and bioarchaeological research should include a broad knowledge base that keeps pace with relevant developments outside of those disciplines.