Diachronic dietary reconstructions in ancient Thebes, Greece: Results from stable isotope analyses

Efrossini Vika*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Although isotopic applications in Greece are rapidly increasing, there is rarely the chance to investigate diet changes within a population over time. This is mainly because large burial grounds are seldom excavated systematically. Nonetheless, this study presents the isotopic results of human and animal bone samples from graves dating from 3000 to 300 BC, recovered in Thebes' extensive historic cemetery. The unique opportunity is provided to correlate dietary with historic changes, and observe whether sociocultural parameters affect dietary choices and how this presents isotopically. Results show significant temporal trends.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1157-1163
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of archaeological science
Volume38
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - May 2011

Keywords

  • Ancient Thebes
  • Diachronic
  • Diet
  • Isotopes

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