Life and death in the medieval mining centre of Kutná Hora - reconstructing diets during the recurrent mortality crises of the 14th century AD (Czechia)

Abstract

During the 14th century, inhabitants of Kutná Hora, an important urban centre in the Kingdom of Bohemia, were exposed to repeated mortality crises. This study uses stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes to examine the relationship between diet, the famine of 1318, and plague outbreaks after 1346. A total of 112 bone samples and 70 first permanent molars were analysed using dentine serial sampling. The mean δ13C value was −19.3 ± 0.3‰ and the mean δ15N value was 12.0 ± 0.7‰. Individuals from famine graves showed lower δ15N values than those from regular graves. Survivors had higher δ15N values than non-survivors. Estimated weaning age was 2.8 years. The population consumed a C3 plant-based diet with a notable contribution of animal products and/or fish. Lower δ15N values in famine victims suggest that reduced intake of animal products increased the risk of starvation. Plague mortality does not appear to be related to diet. Overall, lower consumption of animal products and possibly earlier weaning may have reduced survival to adultho

Keywords

• stable isotopes
• late Middle Ages
• famine
• plague