The combined use of oxygen isotopes and microwear in sheep teeth to elucidate seasonal management of domestic herds: the case study of Çatalhöyük, central Anatolia

► Combined oxygen isotope and microwear in sheep enamel elucidate herding tasks. ► Local baseline models breeding seasonality, herd movement and pre-slaughter diet. ► Evidence shows nomadic pastoralism not commonly practiced in central Anatolian Neolithic. ► Synchrony of breeding cycle and natural resources implies minimal reliance on arable.