Stable isotope investigations of charred barley (Hordeum vulgare) and wheat (Triticum spelta) grains from Danebury Hillfort: implications for palaeodietary reconstructions

► C and N stable isotopic analyses were conducted on charred grains from Danebury Iron Age hill fort. ► Our results suggest that some wheat and barley may have been grown in different environmental contexts. ► The grains had δ15N values similar to those of the herbivore bone collagen. ► Enriched human δ15N may not reflect high animal protein consumption. ► If grain and animal δ15N are similar identifying their input to human diet is complex.