New radiocarbon dates and isotope analysis of Neolithic human and animal bone from the Fontbrégoua Cave (Salernes, Var, France).

This article presents the results of stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis carried out on 12 human and 13 animal bones from the Neolithic cave of Fonbrégoua located in southern France. The stable isotope data shows that the humans had diets in which the protein sources were mainly from terrestrial animals. Six new radiocarbon dates on human bone indicate that the deposition of human remains at the site occurred during the Cardial phase (ca. 5450-5100 BCE cal.) as well as through to the transition to the middle Neolithic (ca. 5100-4800 BCE cal.). The isotopic human dietary patterns at Fontbrégoua are similar to other Neolithic sites in the South-east of France and in Liguria (Italy), indicating similar dietary adaptations in this area during this period. Radiocarbon dates on humans from the site indicate that human burial practices at this site occurred over a long time period.

Southern French Neolithic populations: Isotopic evidence for regional specificities in environment and diet.

The Middle Neolithic of the Northwestern Mediterranean area ( approximately 4500-3500 BC cal) is characterized by the development of food production techniques as well as by increasing social complexity. These characteristics could have had an impact on human dietary patterns. To evaluate human dietary practices and lifeways of the Middle Neolithic populations from the South of France, stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis was carried out on 57 human and 53 faunal bones from seven archaeological sites located in the Languedoc and Garonne regions between 20 and 100 km from the Mediterranean Sea, respectively. Results show regional differences in carbon isotope values. Animal and human bones from the Languedoc region are significantly enriched in (13)C relative to the Garonne. Conversely, human and dog bones from the Garonne region are significantly enriched in (15)N compared to human and dog bones from the Languedoc region. These results highlight the importance of the local ecosystem in human and animal diet as well as a regional differentiation of palaeodietary behavior, which probably relates to economic and social factors. The comparison of stable isotope data with archaeological and biological evidence does not show any significant intra- or interpopulation differences. However, the presence of human outliers suggests that migration probably occurred, perhaps in relation to the trade of animals and/or materials. This study also highlights the importance of investigating local animal stable isotope values for the interpretation of human palaeodiet.