Abstract

The present study discusses aspects of human mobility in Ceramic Neolithic (ca. 5200/5000–4000 BC) and Middle Chalcolithic Cyprus (ca. 3500–2800 BC) through the application of strontium isotope analysis. Small-scale intra-island movement in prehistoric Cypriot contexts is usually inferred by the circulation of finished artefacts and raw materials, while several researchers in the past supported large-scale migrations based exclusively on the ostensibly abrupt changes in the material culture. Focusing on the strontium isotopic values of sampled human teeth from sites of the Limassol district, this pilot study attempts to demonstrate the potential of this methodology for the identification of non-local individuals and/or groups. The results provide fresh insights on prehistoric mobility patterns in Cyprus, while also discussing some of the methodological limitations in archaeological contexts.

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

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.