Dataset Information

North and South: Exploring isotopic analysis of bone carbonates and collagen to understand post-medieval diets in London and northern England.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

We evaluate the potential of paired isotopic analysis of bone carbonate and collagen to examine the diet of post-medieval human and animal populations from England (17th-19th c.), including, for the first time, manufacturing towns in northern England. The potential for identifying C₄ crop consumption is explored alongside regional and local patterning in diet by sex and socioeconomic status.

Materials and methods

Humans (n = 216) and animals (n = 168) were analyzed from sites in London and northern England for both carbon and nitrogen isotopes of bone collagen (𝛿¹³ C_coll , 𝛿¹⁵ N_coll ). Isotopic analysis of bone carbonates (𝛿¹³ C_carb , 𝛿¹⁸ O_carb ) was carried out on all humans and 27 animals, using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy-attenuated total reflectance to assess diagenesis.

Results

Variations in diet were observed between and within different populations by geographical location and socioeconomic status. Three pigs and one cow consumed C₄ resources, indicating the availability of C₄ -fed animal protein. Londoners consumed more animal and marine protein and C₄ resources. Middle- and upper-class populations from both London and northern populations also had greater access to these foods compared to those of lower status in the same regions.

Discussion

This substantial multi-isotope dataset deriving from bone carbonate and collagen combined from diverse post-medieval urban communities enabled, for the first time, the biomolecular identification of the dynamics of C₄ consumption (cane sugar/maize) in England, providing insight into the dynamics of food globalization during this period. We also add substantially to the animal dataset for post-medieval England, providing further insight into animal management during a key moment of agricultural change.

SUBMITTER: Chidimuro B

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10952890 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

North and South: Exploring isotopic analysis of bone carbonates and collagen to understand post-medieval diets in London and northern England.

Chidimuro Blessing B Doherty Sean S Finch Jonathan J Ponce Paola P Eggington Jack J Delaney Sarah S Speller Camilla C Collins Matthew J MJ Holst Malin M Alexander Michelle M

American journal of biological anthropology 20230722 1

<h4>Objectives</h4>We evaluate the potential of paired isotopic analysis of bone carbonate and collagen to examine the diet of post-medieval human and animal populations from England (17th-19th c.), including, for the first time, manufacturing towns in northern England. The potential for identifying C<sub>4</sub> crop consumption is explored alongside regional and local patterning in diet by sex and socioeconomic status.<h4>Materials and methods</h4>Humans (n = 216) and animals (n = 168) were an ...[more]

PMID: 37483103

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Dataset Information

North and South: Exploring isotopic analysis of bone carbonates and collagen to understand post-medieval diets in London and northern England.

Objectives

Materials and methods

Results

Discussion

Publications

North and South: Exploring isotopic analysis of bone carbonates and collagen to understand post-medieval diets in London and northern England.

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