Residential mobility in Great Moravia: strontium isotope analysis of a population sample from the early medieval site of Mikulčice-Valy (ninth–tenth centuries)

Abstract

Great Moravia was one of the first proto-states in East Central Europe. During the ninth century, Moravian settlements underwent rapid growth, development, and population increases. This study presents a first insight into early medieval population mobility in the area by investigating one of its major agglomerations and religious centres, the Mikulcice-Valy stronghold. According to strontium isotope analysis of human tooth enamel, 13–19% of 123 analysed individuals fall outside the estimated local 87Sr/86Sr ranges and represent migrants from at least three distinct areas. Furthermore, human 87Sr/86Sr ratios are shifted in comparison to faunal references, which could indicate a greater rate of migration from isotopically similar areas. No evidence supporting the presumed higher mobility of elite females was found, but immigration is more prevalent among elites, with an apparent lack of non-elite males among the non-locals. Possible factors contributing to mobility are questioned and might offer directions for future studies.