Multi‐isotope analysis of primary and secondary dentin as a mean to broaden intra‐life dietary reconstruction. A case from Longobard Italy

Bernardini, S., Zeppilli, C., Micarelli, I., Goude, G., Sayle, K. L. , Manzi, G. and Tafuri, M. A. (2023) Multi‐isotope analysis of primary and secondary dentin as a mean to broaden intra‐life dietary reconstruction. A case from Longobard Italy. International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, 33(2), pp. 355-360. (doi: 10.1002/oa.3200)

Abstract

This exploratory study proposes an original intra-life history investigation through sequential analysis of the isotopic composition of carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur (CNS) on both primary and secondary dentin of a tooth (M1). We focus on an elderly woman from Longobard Italy (6th to 8th c. CE), who showed an unprecedented case of cranial surgery, presented in a companion paper by Micarelli and colleagues. Sequential stable CNS isotope composition of first molar dentin collagen allows us to infer diet, mobility, health, and physiological stress between approximately 3 months after birth to 9.5 years old (primary dentin) and between early adulthood until death (secondary dentin). Isotopic results on primary dentin highlight the following: (i) a long weaning period (ending at approximately 4 years), followed by (ii) a specific diet, including the contribution of C4 crops in early childhood (approximately 5.5 years), possibly concomitant with mobility. While secondary dentin shows a generally homogeneous diet during adulthood, the longitudinal analysis provided information on specific stresses that likely occurred in periods of difficult health conditions. This work emphasizes the importance of measuring complete dentin sequences (including secondary when present) for isotopic analysis to broaden intra-life histories in ancient populations.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: Open Access Funding provided by Universita degli Studi di Roma La Sapienza within the CRUI-CARE Agreement.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Sayle, Dr Kerry
• Authors: Bernardini, S., Zeppilli, C., Micarelli, I., Goude, G., Sayle, K. L., Manzi, G., and Tafuri, M. A.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre
• Journal Name: International Journal of Osteoarchaeology
• Publisher: Wiley
• ISSN: 1047-482X
• ISSN (Online): 1099-1212
• Published Online: 17 January 2023
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2023 The Authors
• First Published: First published in International Journal of Osteoarchaeology 33(2): 355-360
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License