Late Antiquity is marked by significant political, social, economic, and cultural upheavals and has left its mark on the historical identity of Europe and the wider Mediterranean world. Considerable debate remains as to the impact of social organisation, diets and economic status of different populations, and groups within populations, during this turbulent period. Such questions are especially important in central Italy, with its position at the former heart of the Western Roman Empire. Here, we examine the burial practices, paleodemography and diets reconstructed using stable isotope analysis at the late antique inhumation necropolis of Via Marche (3rd- 7th century AD), the largest late antique necropolis discovered in Tuscany (central Italy) so far. The funerary area is located in the suburbium of Pisa, an area traditionally devoted to agricultural and manufacturing activities along with artisanal workshops for pottery production. Archaeological excavation carried out in 2005-2006 brought to light a total of 194 single tombs of different typologies, including simple earth-dug graves, enchytrismòi, capuchin tombs, and wooden coffins. A limited number of grave goods were recovered and mainly consisting in iron nails, coins, pottery, and glass balsamaria. With regard to paleodemography, the sample of Via Marche available for sex and age estimation (N=175) documented an adult to non-adult ratio of 1:4, while age at death profile revealed a high infant mortality and a peak of male mortality in the age category of 25-35 years. The funerary customs in late antique Via Marche seem to suggest a preference for the reuse of materials of low economic value for funerary architecture. The amphorae, primarily used for the preservation of food, were likely obtained free of charge, or for a small fee. The burial typology and dearth of grave goods supports archaeological interpretations that suggest its members belonged to lower social classes, with no clear religious affiliation, and likely represent labourers employed in the agricultural and manufacturing activities typically carried out in the suburban area of Pisa. Stable carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) analysis of bone collagen (n=34), and stable carbon (δ13C) and oxygen (δ18O) isotope analysis of tooth enamel (n=21) applied to 44 individuals of Via Marche revealed a dietary regime based on C3 plants (e.g. crops such as wheat, oat, rye) and intake of terrestrial animal protein without differences between males and females. These data suggest continuation of a homogeneous Roman dietary pattern, traditionally based on the large-scale growth and consumption of cereal crops such as wheat. We argue that a more comprehensive reconstruction of social identity of different late antique communities can expand and refine the current state of knowledge about behaviours and variation of people living in different contexts (e.g. urban/rural) and regions (e.g. core/periphery) after the collapse of Roman hegemony.
Exploring social identity and diet in late antique Tuscany (3rd-7th century AD).
Riccomi G.;Minozzi S.;Giuffra V
2021-01-01
Abstract
Late Antiquity is marked by significant political, social, economic, and cultural upheavals and has left its mark on the historical identity of Europe and the wider Mediterranean world. Considerable debate remains as to the impact of social organisation, diets and economic status of different populations, and groups within populations, during this turbulent period. Such questions are especially important in central Italy, with its position at the former heart of the Western Roman Empire. Here, we examine the burial practices, paleodemography and diets reconstructed using stable isotope analysis at the late antique inhumation necropolis of Via Marche (3rd- 7th century AD), the largest late antique necropolis discovered in Tuscany (central Italy) so far. The funerary area is located in the suburbium of Pisa, an area traditionally devoted to agricultural and manufacturing activities along with artisanal workshops for pottery production. Archaeological excavation carried out in 2005-2006 brought to light a total of 194 single tombs of different typologies, including simple earth-dug graves, enchytrismòi, capuchin tombs, and wooden coffins. A limited number of grave goods were recovered and mainly consisting in iron nails, coins, pottery, and glass balsamaria. With regard to paleodemography, the sample of Via Marche available for sex and age estimation (N=175) documented an adult to non-adult ratio of 1:4, while age at death profile revealed a high infant mortality and a peak of male mortality in the age category of 25-35 years. The funerary customs in late antique Via Marche seem to suggest a preference for the reuse of materials of low economic value for funerary architecture. The amphorae, primarily used for the preservation of food, were likely obtained free of charge, or for a small fee. The burial typology and dearth of grave goods supports archaeological interpretations that suggest its members belonged to lower social classes, with no clear religious affiliation, and likely represent labourers employed in the agricultural and manufacturing activities typically carried out in the suburban area of Pisa. Stable carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) analysis of bone collagen (n=34), and stable carbon (δ13C) and oxygen (δ18O) isotope analysis of tooth enamel (n=21) applied to 44 individuals of Via Marche revealed a dietary regime based on C3 plants (e.g. crops such as wheat, oat, rye) and intake of terrestrial animal protein without differences between males and females. These data suggest continuation of a homogeneous Roman dietary pattern, traditionally based on the large-scale growth and consumption of cereal crops such as wheat. We argue that a more comprehensive reconstruction of social identity of different late antique communities can expand and refine the current state of knowledge about behaviours and variation of people living in different contexts (e.g. urban/rural) and regions (e.g. core/periphery) after the collapse of Roman hegemony.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
