Stable carbon isotopes in archaeological plant remains

Ferrio, Juan Pedro; Aguilera, Mònica; Voltas, Jordi; Araus, José Luis

Abstract

Archaeological plant remains are a valuable source of information about the social and environmental conditions experienced by past societies. Full exploitation of the informative potential of plant remains involves the use of analytical techniques. In this context, carbon isotope composition of archaeobotanical remains may give clues on the environmental conditions, agricultural management, food web, and dietary preferences, among others. This chapter provides a comprehensive view of the potential applications in the archaeology of analyzing the stable carbon isotope signature of plant remains. After a broad explanation of the physiological and environmental factors determining the carbon isotope signature in plants, most relevant methodological issues are discussed. Among others, the chapter offers a critical review of sampling and pre-treatment protocols, uncertainties associated with atmospheric changes and the potential alterations that plant remains may suffer prior or after deposition in the soil. Exemplified by selected case studies, methodological and conceptual clues are provided for the use of carbon isotopes in archaeology, and the still existing challenges highlighted.

Citation

Ferrio, J. P., Aguilera, M., Voltas, J., & Araus, J. L. (2020). Stable carbon isotopes in archaeological plant remains. In M. Montenari (Ed.), Stratigraphy & Timescales (107-145). Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.sats.2020.08.008

• Online Publication Date: Oct 6, 2020
• Publication Date: 2020
• Deposit Date: Jun 6, 2023
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Pages: 107-145
• Series Title: Carbon Isotope Stratigraphy
• Series ISSN: 2468-5178
• Book Title: Stratigraphy & Timescales
• Chapter Number: 3
• ISBN: 978-0-12-820991-2
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.sats.2020.08.008