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Multiple isotopic systems (C, N, O, S, Sr, Pb) are applied to investigate diet and mobility amongst the Middle Neolithic populations at Schipluiden and Swifterbant (Netherlands). A review of carbon and nitrogen isotope analyses of European Mesolithic and Neolithic populations shows a shift in diet from the Mesolithic to the Neolithic, but also great variety in Neolithic diets, several of which incorporate fish. At Swifterbant (c.4300-4000 BC) the population had a diet largely based on terrestrial and freshwater resources, despite proximity to tidal waters. Only one individual (of 10) showed evidence for migration. In contrast at Schipluiden (c.3600-3400 BC) there were migrants who had a diet lower in marine resources than those without evidence for migration. The faunal spectrum and isotopic similarities with sites in the Iron Gates Gorge suggest that sturgeon may have been important. There is some evidence that migrants at Schipluiden were not accorded the formal burial given to locally born people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The molecular and isotopic chemistry of organic residues from archaeological potsherds was used to obtain further insight into the dietary trends and economies at the Constance lake-shore Neolithic settlements. The archaeological organic residues from the Early Late Neolithic (3922-3902 BC) site Hornstaad-Hornle IA/Germany are, at present, the oldest archaeological samples analysed at the Institute of Mineralogy and Geochemistry of the University of Lausanne. The approach includes 13C/12C and 15N/14N ratios of the bulk organic residues, fatty acids distribution and 13C/12C ratios of individual fatty acids. The results are compared with those obtained from the over 500 years younger Neolithic (3384-3370 BC) settlement of Arbon Bleiche 3/Switzerland and with samples of modern vegetable oils and fat of animals that have been fed exclusively on C3 forage grasses. The overall fatty acid composition (C9 to C24 range, maximizing at C14 and C16), the bulk 13C/12C and 15N/14N ratios (δ13C, δ15N) and the 13C/12C ratios of palmitic (C16:0), stearic (C18:0) and oleic acids (C18:1) of the organic residues indicate that most of the studied samples (25 from 47 samples and 5 from 41 in the δ13C18:0 vs. δ13C16:0 and δ13C18:0 vs. δ13C18:1 diagrams, respectively) from Hornstaad-Hornle IA and Arbon Bleiche 3 sherds contain fat residues of pre-industrial ruminant milk, and young suckling calf/lamb adipose. These data provide direct proof of milk and meat (mainly from young suckling calves) consumption and farming practices for a sustainable dairying in Neolithic villages in central Europe around 4000 BC.† [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The histomorphometric analysis of neolithic bone tissue from the radiomorphometricly unaffected 9th thoracic vertebral body of a 20–25 year old man showed significantly elevated bone volume in comparison to the contemporary findings (BV/TV, 28.72% versus 20%). Also the number of trabeculae was clearly higher (Tb.N.: 17.7cm versus 5.4cm). The mean width (Tb.Th.) of the plate-shaped trabeculae was 160μm and 180μm. Thus, they were significantly wider than current normal findings of 120μm. These results show a structural, obviously multifactual caused degeneration of spongy bone within the last 6200 years, representing a relatively short period in relation to evolutionary criteria. With regards to the irretrievable loss of preserved bone substance the indication to histomorphometric diagnostic has to be restricted; tissue sampling is only to happen after the carrying-out of all possible non-invasive methods of investigation as well as a comprehensive photo and film documentation. Observing these conditions further fundamental findings for the evolution of bone tissue can be expected through histomorphometry. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

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