Paleodiet, mobility and environmental reconstruction using isotope analysis

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Objective 1: Reconstruct palaeodiets

The carbon, nitrogen and sulfur isotopic signals in human collagen (consumer) reflect the isotopic signal of the food consumed. By applying bulk carbon, nitrogen and, sulfur isotope analysis to human remains, it will possible to investigate: 
•    Whether Mesolithic individuals from Belgium were consuming marine versus terrestrial food protein 
•    Whether they were consuming C4 versus C3 plant protein
•    The trophic position of the consumers

To obtain relevant results, potential food sources (e.g. Mesolithic faunal remains from Belgium) will be analysed simultaneously to build a strong baseline.

This will be completed by the use of Bayesian mixing models.
To obtain further information on the proportion of the types of food protein ingested, we will be implementing carbon and nitrogen compound-specific isotope analysis on some of the Mesolithic remains. 

The sample preparation: at ARCHEOS laboratory

Isotope ratios measurements: ISOFYS

Objective 2: Mobility and migration

Strontium, oxygen and sulfur isotope analysis will be performed to investigate migration and mobility of the first permanent settlers of Belgium. Using these three isotopic systems together will significantly improve our knowledge on mobility patterns.

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 Strontium (87Sr/86Sr) ratios, δ34S and δ18O values from bones and/or teeth reflect the underlying geology of the food and/or water consumed. They have been used to inform on the regional mobility of prehistoric humans and the associated fauna. They provide information regarding the spatial context for food sources and consumers and then, they allow to distinguish non-locals. 

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Objective 3: Environmental changes study