IsoArcH foundational dataset for isotopic research in Roman-era bioarchaeology

Abstract

This dataset represents the original and foundational compilation of the IsoArcH initiative. It brings together data from 260 archaeological sites across Europe, Western Asia, and Africa, all featuring assemblages of individuals or specimens dated entirely or in part to the Roman period. In total, the dataset comprises 6,322 materials of predominantly human, animal, and plant origin, corresponding to 7,249 individual samples. It includes isotopic data such as δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N values from organic matter (mainly bone collagen and residues), δ¹³C and δ¹⁸O values from bioapatite (primarily tooth enamel and bone), and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios (mostly from tooth enamel). This dataset offers a robust basis for exploring diet, mobility, and environmental conditions in populations living during the Roman-era world.

Keywords

• Stable isotope analysis
• Carbon
• Nitrogen
• Oxygen
• Strontium
• Roman Republic
• Roman Empire
• IsoArcH database