Diet and mobility in the Danube Delta region in Late Antiquity: A multi-isotope approach

Abstract

This study examines diet and mobility in Late Antique populations in the region between the River Danube and the Black Sea coast of Romania using a multi-isotope approach. Analysing human bone and enamel samples from three 4th to 7th c. CE cemetery sites — Histria, Callatis, and Ibida — diet was assessed through bone collagen δ13C and δ15N values via the Bayesian linear mixing software FRUITS, while mobility was examined through enamel isotopes (δ13C, δ34S, δ18O, and 87/86Sr). The results indicate that, despite significant political and social changes, diets were largely homogeneous and reflected those of other Roman Empire populations, primarily consisting of C3 plant foods, with cereals, wine, and olive oil as likely staples. Notably, individual diets varied, with most consuming minimal animal products and only a small amount of C4 plants; however, one individual from Histria obtained a significant portion of their calories from these sources. Interestingly, aquatic resources contributed little despite the proximity of the sites to riverine, estuarine, lagoonal and marine ecosystems. The study also identified two first-generation migrants with distinct ‘non-local’ enamel isotope ratios, suggesting their origins in more northerly regions, potentially associated with the Migration Period movements. More 14C dates are needed to contextualise these findings further.