Isotope paleodietary analysis of humans from Chalcolithic Uğurlu, Gökçeada Island, Turkey

Abstract

The site of Uğurlu Höyük on the island of Gökçeada, Turkey, has yielded rich archaeological finds and presented the earliest evidence for the settlement of the eastern Aegean region in the Neolithic. Recent excavations revealed a burial pit containing the skeletons of 11 individuals as well as an additional pit with the partial remains of one individual. Previous work has applied stable isotope analysis to faunal remains at the site throughout the Neolithic and Chalcolithic periods. The newly discovered human remains provide an opportunity to gain further insight into the diet and health of the inhabitants of Uğurlu during the Chalcolithic, c. 5300 cal BC. Stable isotope analysis of 11 individuals reveals that their diet consisted primarily of terrestrial animal protein and local C3 crops. There is no evidence for consumption of marine resources, an assertion that agrees with previous interpretations that islanders during this period focused their economy on animal husbandry and cultivation rather than fishing.