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

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

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 δ15N values consistent with the consumption of significant amounts of animal protein.

Original languageEnglish
JournalJournal of Archaeological Science
Volume33
Issue number1
Pages (from-to)39-48
Number of pages10
ISSN0305-4403
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2006
Externally publishedYes

    Research areas

  • Carbon, Neolithic, Nitrogen, Palaeodiet, Southern Germany, Stable isotopes

ID: 230199199