The Islamic necropolis discovered in Tauste (Zaragoza, Spain) is the only evidence that a large Muslim community lived in the area between the 8th and 10th centuries. A multi-isotope approach has been used to investigate the mobility and diet of this medieval Muslim population living in a shifting frontier region. Thirty-one individuals were analyzed to determine δ15N, δ13C, δ18O and 87Sr/86Sr composition. A combination of strontium and oxygen isotope analysis indicated that most individuals were of local origin although three females and two males were non-local. The non-local males would be from a warmer zone whereas two of the females would be from a more mountainous geographical region and the third from a geologically-different area. The extremely high δ15N baseline at Tauste was due to bedrock composition (gypsum and salt). High individual δ15N values were related to the manuring effect and consumption of fish. Adult males were the most privileged members of society in the medieval Muslim world and, as isotope data reflected, consumed more animal proteins than females and young males.

δ15N

Isotopes of strontium

Isotope Analysis

δ18O

10.1371/journal.pone.0176572

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Citations (38)

Human peopling of Italian intramontane basins: The early Middle Pleistocene site of Pagliare di Sassa (L'Aquila, central Italy)

Quaternary International (2009)

María Rita Palombo Margherita Mussi Silvano Agostini M. Barbieri E. Di Canzio

Early Pleistocene

Middle Paleolithic

Homo erectus

Alluvial fan

10.1016/j.quaint.2009.10.038

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Citations (27)

Modern reindeer and mice: revised phosphate–water isotope equations

Earth and Planetary Science Letters (2003)

A. Longinelli Paola Iacumin S. Davanzo В. И. Николаев

Cricetidae

10.1016/s0012-821x(03)00395-9

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Citations (38)

87 Sr/ 86 Sr isotope ratio as a tool in archaeological investigation: risks and limits

Research Square (Research Square) (2023)

Mattia Rossi Paola Iacumin Gianpiero Venturelli

Abstract During the last thirty years, the use of strontium isotopes in archaeology has spread widely. These isotopes, alone or in combination with others, can contribute to the definition of human groups and their migrations. However, the interpretation of the isotopic values of strontium is not always simple and requires good knowledge of geochemistry and geology. In this short work we report basic knowledge and suggestions for a correct use of these isotopes. The isotopic characteristics of bio-assimilable strontium depend not so much on the isotopic characteristics of the bulk rock as, rather, on that of its more soluble minerals. Before studying human, animal and plant remains, the state of conservation and any conditions of isotopic pollution should be carefully checked. Samples should be collected according to random sampling rules. The data should be treated by a statistical approach. To make comparisons between different areas, it should be borne in mind that the study of current soils can be misleading since the mineralogical modification of the soil over time can be very rapid.

Isotopes of strontium

Isotope Analysis

Isotope Geochemistry

10.21203/rs.3.rs-3205865/v1

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