Diet, Social Status, and Migration in Kayseri (Turkey): Stable Isotope and Elemental Analyses of Roman Imperial Skeletons (AD 218-244)

Abstract

This study investigates the lifestyle, dietary habits, socioeconomic status and mobility of individuals living in Kayseri, Southeastern Central Anatolia (Turkey) during the reign of the Roman Empire (218-244 AD). The femura of 15 individuals (8 males, 7 females) were subjected to trace element (Ca, P, Mg, Cu, Zn, Sr, Ba, Pb) and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr isotope analyses using XRF and ICP-MS. Elemental concentrations analysed by sex indicate that males had low Sr/Ca ratios and a protein-based diet, whereas females may have consumed more plant-based foods. Women are estimated to be more exposed to heavy metals such as Cu and Pb. Zn/Ca ratios may indicate the low socioeconomic status of the community. ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr isotope analysis revealed that 12 individuals may have been local, while 3 individuals may have migrated or had different dietary habits. Soil analyses showed that the bones were not significantly affected by diagenesis.

Keywords: Mobility and Migration, Roman-period Anatolia, Strontium isotope analysis, Trace element analysis, ancient bones