Beyond the grave: variability in Neolithic diets in Southern Germany?

• Published in: Journal of archaeological science Vol. 33; no. 1; pp. 39 - 48
• Main Authors: Dürrwächter, Claudia, Craig, Oliver E., Collins, Matthew J., Burger, Joachim, Alt, Kurt W.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier Ltd 2006; Elsevier Science
• Subjects: Carbon; Excavation and methods; Laboratory methods; Methodology and general studies; Neolithic; Nitrogen; Palaeodiet; Physical and chemical analysis; Prehistory and protohistory; Southern Germany; Stable isotopes; Middle; Neolithic; Europe; Germany; Southern Germany; Nitrogen; Palaeodiet; Carbon; Stable isotopes; Neolithic; Isotope; Sex; Palaeodiet: Southern Gerrnany; Necropolis; Burial; Settlement; Populating; Diet; Cimetery; Individual; Grave; Variation; Age; Isotope Analysis
• ISSN: 0305-4403; 1095-9238
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jas.2005.06.009

Carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analyses were undertaken on human and faunal remains from two Neolithic sites in Southern Germany; the LBK settlement at Herxheim and the middle Neolithic cemetery at Trebur. Stable isotope data were used to reconstruct the diets of individuals buried at these sites and to look at dietary variation between groups classified by their sex, age, grave goods and cultural affiliation. Overall there was surprisingly little variation in the diet between the groups, as described by the stable isotope analysis, despite significant differences in the composition of grave goods. Also surprising, considering the archaeological evidence for extensive grain cultivation in this region during the Neolithic, was that the majority of individuals had δ 15N values consistent with the consumption of significant amounts of animal protein.