Abstract
ABSTRACTIn this paper we discuss recent developments in documenting the spread of millet across the Eurasian steppes. We emphasize that, despite a recent proposal that millet consumption in southern Siberia can be attributed to the Early Bronze Age (i.e., the late third to early second millennium BC), at present there are no direct data for southern Siberia indicating the consumption of millet prior to the Late Bronze Age, from the 14th century BC. We also present in full the combined stable isotope and 14C datasets from the Minusinsk Basin to support this conclusion.
Highlights
Despite a recent proposal that millet consumption in southern Siberia can be attributed to the Early Bronze Age, at present there are no direct data for southern Siberia indicating the consumption of millet prior to the Late Bronze Age, from the 14th century BC
While the role of freshwater reservoir effects continues to be debated, stable carbon isotope (δ13C) analysis of human and faunal remains, especially when combined with radiocarbon (14C) dating, has proven very successful in tracing the spread and use of millet. This is because millets (Panicum miliaceum and Setaria italica) are the only plausible candidates for a significant increase in consumption of C4 plants on the Eurasian steppes, whether directly or through foddered animals, and are relatively traced by δ13C values in human bone collagen
We present a brief overview of isotopic studies focusing on the chronology of isotopic evidence for millet on the central Eurasian steppes, within the Minusinsk Basin, and reiterate its appearance in the Late Bronze Age, from the 14th century BC
Summary
Two of the major themes of stable isotopic research on the Eurasian steppes have involved investigating and documenting of the spread of millet (Svyatko et al 2013; Motuzaite Matuzeviciute et al 2015) and the extent of freshwater fish consumption (Privat et al 2007; Schulting et al 2014, 2015; Shishlina et al 2012, 2014, 2018; Svyatko et al 2015, 2017a). We present a brief overview of isotopic studies focusing on the chronology of isotopic evidence for millet on the central Eurasian steppes, within the Minusinsk Basin, and reiterate its appearance in the Late Bronze Age, from the 14th century BC.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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 call
