The isotopic record of Early Modern Europe

Abstract

This dataset compiles published stable and radiogenic isotope data relating primarily to human populations of early modern Europe, together with associated faunal and environmental reference data. It draws on 41 bibliographic resources and covers 158 locations in 17 countries, representing 2,946 materials and 4,200 samples. Medieval and modern records are included where they provide relevant chronological or regional context for the study of early modern populations. The compilation originated as a collaborative class exercise conducted during the autumn 2025 edition of the course Isotope Analysis in Bioarchaeology, led by Kévin Salesse at Masaryk University (Brno, Czech Republic). Each student compiled data from a selection of published studies. These assignments were subsequently assembled and standardised according to the IsoArcH data model to produce a single reusable dataset. The compilation includes organic δ13C, δ15N and δ34S values; bioapatite δ13C and δ18O values; 87Sr/86Sr and Sr concentrations; 206Pb/204Pb; 207Pb/204Pb; 208Pb/204Pb. The studies represented in the dataset address human diet, mobility, social differentiation and animal husbandry. By bringing these dispersed records into a common structure, the dataset facilitates comparisons among populations, regions and chronological contexts across early modern Europe.

Keywords

• Early Modern period
• Diet
• Mobility
• Isotope analysis
• Humans
• Animals