Bone collagen δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N data from human remains at Qornet ed-Deir and Mazraa 1154 (Roman–Byzantine Lebanon)

Abstract

This dataset provides the first stable carbon and nitrogen isotope data for Roman and Roman-Byzantine human populations in Lebanon. It includes bone collagen results from Qornet ed-Deir (2nd–7th c. AD) in the Lebanese highlands and Mazraa 1154 (1st–3rd c. AD) in the Roman colonia of Berytus (modern Beirut). Of the 48 human samples analyzed, 23 met collagen quality criteria: all 14 from Qornet ed-Deir and 9 from Mazraa 1154. δ¹³C values at Qornet ed-Deir range from –20.0‰ to –19.0‰ and δ¹⁵N from 6.7‰ to 7.8‰. At Mazraa 1154, δ¹³C ranges from –20.4‰ to –18.8‰ and δ¹⁵N from 7.0‰ to 12.3‰. This dataset enhances the current understanding of isotopic variability in the Levant and provides rare dietary insights from both Lebanese highland and urban contexts during these periods. It offers a foundation for future regional comparisons and dietary reconstructions in Roman and Byzantine Lebanon.

Keywords

• Carbon
• Nitrogen
• Diet
• Mont Lebanon
• Roman colonia Berytus
• Western Asia