Subsistence strategies and palaeodiet of Tell al-Husn, northern Jordan: nitrogen and carbon stable isotope evidence and radiocarbon dates

This research examines the diet and subsistence strategies during the Early Bronze Age III (EB III) or/and the beginning of the Early Bronze Age IV (EB IV) and the Middle Bronze Age I–II (MB I–II) periods of Tell al-Husn, northern Jordan. Stable isotope analyses of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) were carried out on human teeth of known ages. Faunal samples were radiocarbon dated, while their carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) stable isotopes were analyzed for comparative purposes. The results revealed that the diet of the individuals of the MB I is richer in terrestrial animal protein than the individuals of the EB III and/or early EB IV and MB II, a probable indicator for more agricultural activities toward the end of the MB and the LB and during the EB III and/or early EB IV. The results suggested that the individuals of tomb 2 are probably of higher social status or were subjected to different environmental conditions compared to the individuals of chamber 3 of tomb 1. In addition, the results suggested a higher social status for an individual buried contemporaneously with other individuals in chamber 3 of tomb 1.

► We study the diet of Tell al-Husn, Jordan during EB III or/and early EB IV and MB I–II.
► δ13C and δ15N isotopes and radiocarbon dated were examined.
► MB I is richer in terrestrial protein than EB III and/or early EB IV and MB II.
► Agriculture dominated the EB III and/or early EB IV and toward the end of the MB.
► The results suggest higher status or different environment for some individuals.