Early medieval reliance on the land and the local: An integrated multi-isotope study (Sr-87/Sr-86, delta O-18, delta C-13, delta N-15) of diet and migration in Co. Meath, Ireland

摘要

Three early medieval Irish communities within a 30-km radius in Co. Meath, Ireland, have been examined using multiple isotopes ( Sr-87/Sr-86, delta O-18, delta C-13, delta(15) N) to elucidate human and domesticated animal subsistence and provenance. Existing( 87)Sr/ Sr-86 data from geochemical mapping of contemporary soils, plants and streamwater were compared to human and animal tooth enamel Sr-87/ Sr-86 to assess potential past human migration, in combination with delta O-18 from bone collagen. Oxygen isotope (delta O-18) values of human bone collagen are notably invariable, 10.0 +/- 0.6%o (n = 36), for the three archaeological sites: Collierstown, Johnstown and Raystown. Fauna (sheep, pigs, cats and a dog) delta O-18(collagen) from Raystown are distinctly grouped between and among certain species, the first instance to our knowledge of such a result. The aggregate faunal data demonstrate that delta(18)O(collagen )values of faunal remains should not be used to infer local delta O-18 ranges for humans.