Stable Isotope Evidence of Diet at Neolithic Çatalhöyük, Turkey

Abstract

We report here new evidence for human subsistence from stable isotope analysis of humans and fauna from Catalhöyük. The analyses complement other lines of subsistence evidence, and indicate that, contrary to the original excavator James Mellaart's assertion (Mellaart, 1975), cattle was unlikely to have been the main source of dietary protein for all occupants. The analyses have also indicated the incorporation of C 4 plants into diets, which was previously unrecognized. In addition, the stable isotope measurements of juveniles have provided an indication of the age of weaning in this Early Neolithic society.