Abstract
The Iberian medieval period is unique in European history due to the widespread socio-cultural changes that took place after the arrival of Arabs, Berbers and Islam in 711 AD. Recently, isotopic research has been insightful on dietary shifts, status, resource availability and the impact of environment. However, there is no published isotopic research exploring these factors in southern Iberian populations, and as the history of this area differs to the northern regions, this leaves a significant lacuna in our knowledge. This research fills this gap via isotopic analysis of human (n = 66) and faunal (n = 13) samples from the 9th to the 13th century Écija, a town renowned for high temperatures and salinity. Stable carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotopes were assessed from rib collagen, while carbon (δ13C) values were derived from enamel apatite. Human diet is consistent with C3 plant consumption with a very minor contribution of C4 plants, an interesting feature considering the suitability of Écija to C4 cereal production. δ15N values vary among adults, which may suggest variable animal protein consumption or isotopic variation within animal species due to differences in foddering. Consideration of δ13C collagen and apatite values together may indicate sugarcane consumption, while moderate δ15N values do not suggest a strong aridity or salinity effect. Comparison with other Iberian groups shows similarities relating to time and location rather than by religion, although more multi-isotopic studies combined with zooarchaeology and botany may reveal subtle differences unobservable in carbon and nitrogen collagen studies alone.
Highlights
This research aims to explore the dietary habits and resources of the inhabitants of Écija, southern Iberia, during the Medieval period (9th to 13th centuries)
There has been intense archaeological and historical interest in the lives of the Medieval inhabitants of the Iberian Peninsula (e.g. Alexander et al 2015; Boone 2009; Carvajal Lopez 2013; Garcia-Garcia 2016; Glick 1999; Imamuddin 1981; Inskip 2016; Menocal 2002; al-Oumaoui et al 2004), due to the significant and widespread socio-cultural changes that took place after Arab and Berber expansions reached the region in AD 711
We are conscious that our sample size is limited; so, here, we call for more dedicated isotopic research, such as that carried by Sirignano et al (2014) on animals from northern Iberia, as it would be enlightening about lifeways in Iberia more generally, and how husbandry practices changed
Summary
This research aims to explore the dietary habits and resources of the inhabitants of Écija, southern Iberia, during the Medieval period (9th to 13th centuries). Alexander et al 2015; Boone 2009; Carvajal Lopez 2013; Garcia-Garcia 2016; Glick 1999; Imamuddin 1981; Inskip 2016; Menocal 2002; al-Oumaoui et al 2004), due to the significant and widespread socio-cultural changes that took place after Arab and Berber expansions reached the region in AD 711. One of the most important and debated issues at this time is the so-called Bagricultural^ or Bgreen revolution^, which considers the importance of changes in water management and technology and the (re)introduction of certain crops to the region (see Martín Civantos 2016; Watson 1974; and Decker 2009). It is likely that there were shifts in animal husbandry practices (Grau-Sologestoa 2015) and a pork taboo emerged (see Garcia-Garcia 2017; Morales Muñiz et al 2011)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
