Shipping amphorae and shipping sheep? Livestock mobility in the north-east Iberian peninsula during the Iron Age based on strontium isotopic analyses of sheep and goat tooth enamel.

Silvia Valenzuela-Lamas,Sergio Jiménez-Manchón,Paul Halstead,Rafel Jornet-Niella,Maura Pellegrini,Ariadna Nieto-Espinet,Hector A Orengo,Delphine Bosch,Angela Trentacoste,Dani López-Reyes

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0205283

Abstract

Animal mobility is a common strategy to overcome scarcity of food and the related over-grazing of pastures. It is also essential to reduce the inbreeding rate of animal populations, which is known to have a negative impact on fertility and productivity. The present paper shows the geographic range of sheep provisioning in different phases of occupation at the Iron Age site of Turó de la Font de la Canya (7th to 3rd centuries BC). Strontium isotope ratios from 34 archaeological sheep and goat enamel, two archaeological bones and 14 modern tree leaves are presented. The isotopic results suggest that sheep and goats consumed at the site were reared locally (within a few kilometres radius) during the whole period of occupation. The paper discusses the isotopic results in light of the socio-political structure of this period, as complex, strongly territorial societies developed during the Iron Age in the north-east Iberian Peninsula.

Highlights

The Bronze and the Iron Ages in Europe witnessed increased social differentiation and territoriality
The aim of this study is to characterise the geographical range of sheep provisioning for this important site through its period of occupation, and to assess its degree of connectivity regarding meat provisioning through the Iron Age
The samples originated from the main geological areas around Turode la Font de la Canya and provide a first overview of the strontium isotopic ranges from the vicinity of the site to 130 Km away to the West

Summary

Introduction

The Bronze and the Iron Ages in Europe witnessed increased social differentiation and territoriality. This is reflected in the archaeological record in changing settlement pattern (from open-air sites on the plains to fortified sites on hills), the expansion and progressive complexity of fortifications, and the spread of warrior equipment and weapons in some tombs. Livestock mobility Iron Age strontium sheep and goat tooth enamel

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Conclusion