Radiocarbon dating and stable carbon isotopic analyses of Neolithic and Bronze Age staple crops in the lower Yellow River area and their paleodietary implications

Abstract

AbstractThe stable carbon isotope ratio of archaeological human skeletons has been increasingly used to reconstruct paleodiet, which in turn may provide deep insight into the origin and spread of agriculture. However, little is known about the spatial and temporal variability of some staple crops in many areas of the world. Here, we present radiocarbon ages and stable carbon isotope data of charred millet and rice grains from 14 Neolithic and Bronze Age archaeological sites in the lower Yellow River area, a region which has not been adequately considered. The mean δ13C value of prehistoric millet grains is −9.13‰, which is ca. 2‰ higher than that of modern millet grains. The mean δ13C value of prehistoric rice grains is −24.14‰, which is very close to that of modern rice grains. Our study not only provides updated information that facilitates a more precise reconstruction of human paleodiet based on δ13C analysis of skeletal remains, but also supports previous conclusions that C4 plants can be used as a reliable proxy for atmospheric carbon isotopic composition.