Dental calculus and isotopes reveal information about ancient diet of Boccone del Povero community (1st-2nd century CE, Latium, central Italy)

Abstract

Evidence about the dietary habits of the 42 individuals recovered in the necropolis of Boccone del Povero (1st-2nd century CE; Rome, Italy) was obtained by a multidisciplinary approach. Dental calculus analysis (through optical microscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry) and stable isotope investigation from bone proteins were carried out on the human skeletal series, with a particular focus on the young female unearthed from the richest burial (no. CLXXXI) of the archaeological site. Overall, carbon and nitrogen stable isotope data indicated an omnivorous diet mainly based on C3-terrestrial proteins, although for some individuals C4 plant consumption cannot be excluded. In fact, evidence from calculus suggests the use of Andropogoneae (e.g., sorghum), Triticeae, together with Rosaceae seeds (e.g., almonds), milk and dairy products. The application of morphological, biochemical, and biomolecular techniques provided a reconstruction of the subsistence pattern of this ancient population living in a suburb of the Imperial Rome.