A new approach to tracking connections between the Indus Valley and Mesopotamia: initial results of strontium isotope analyses from Harappa and Ur

Exchange and interaction between early state-level societies in Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley during the 3rd millennium BC has been documented for some time. The study of this interaction has been dominated by the analysis of artifacts such as carnelian beads and marine shell, along with limited textual evidence. With the aid of strontium, carbon, and oxygen isotopes, it is now possible to develop more direct means for determining the presence of non-local people in both regions. This preliminary study of tooth enamel from individuals buried at Harappa and at the Royal Cemetery of Ur, indicates that it should be feasible to identify Harappans in Mesopotamia. It is also possible to examine the mobility of individuals from communities within the greater Indus Valley region.

► First multi-isotopic study (strontium, oxygen) of human provenience at Harappa and Ur.
► Significant difference in strontium isotopes between Mesopotamia and Indus Valley.
► Variation at Harappa suggests multiple places of origin.
► Baseline isotopic data for the northern Indus Valley reported.
► Potential for human proveniencing in Indus Valley is high.