Diachronic dietary reconstructions in ancient Thebes, Greece: results from stable isotope analyses

Although isotopic applications in Greece are rapidly increasing, there is rarely the chance to investigate diet changes within a population over time. This is mainly because large burial grounds are seldom excavated systematically. Nonetheless, this study presents the isotopic results of human and animal bone samples from graves dating from 3000 to 300 BC, recovered in Thebes’ extensive historic cemetery. The unique opportunity is provided to correlate dietary with historic changes, and observe whether sociocultural parameters affect dietary choices and how this presents isotopically. Results show significant temporal trends.

Research highlights► The first study of dietary variation observed isotopically from a single burial ground over 3000 years in ancient Thebes. ► Records dietary trends over time, namely changes in the human nitrogen values, which are discussed in the light of sociocultural and environmental changes between time periods. ► Observes the absence of isotopic differences in diets between sociocultural sub-groups and discusses this as a result of the methodology.