Neolithisation through bone: Stable isotope analysis of human and faunal remains from Syltholm II, Lolland, Denmark

• DOI: 10.1016/j.jasrep.2024.104384
• Publication Date: 2024-01-16T23:46:07Z
• Authors: Kurt J. Gron; Darren R. Gröcke; Daniel Groß; Peter Rowley-Conwy; Harry K. Robson; Janet Montgomery
• Keywords: δ34S; δ15N; Isotope Analysis; Isotopes of nitrogen; Animal Husbandry

Despite an increasing number of studies, the application stable sulfur (δ34S) isotope analysis to prehistoric bone collagen remains in its infancy. Conventionally, compositions reflect coastal proximity and interaction between humans animals. Here, we undertook carbon (δ13C), nitrogen (δ15N) human faunal collagen. To understand local environmental conditions as well husbandry regime employed by first farmers, investigate where animals were raised or hunted non-specific terms, sampled 50 faunal, including wild domestic taxa, from Late Mesolithic Early-Middle Neolithic (c. 4860–2310 cal BC) site Syltholm II on island Lolland, Denmark. We show that obtained multiple locations surrounding Fjord, forested open landscapes, areas impacted sea spray saltmarshes. In contrast, especially cattle, tightly managed for majority their lives based δ13C δ15N compositions, though likely locations, spray-affected areas, saltmarshes wetlands, δ34S values. The dogs had a broad range δ13C, values, reflecting consumption varying degrees marine foodstuffs, sulfide-derived. Overall, our results contribute growing body evidence possible cultural animal duality during earliest southern Scandinavia.