Shrouded in history: Unveiling the ways of life of an early Muslim population in Santar ém, Portugal (8 < sup > th < /sup > – 10 < sup > th < /sup > century AD)

In this study, skeletal material from 58 adult individuals was analysed for stable carbon (δ13Ccol;δ13Cap), nitrogen (δ15N) and sulphur (δ34S) isotope ratios in bones, and stable oxygen (δ18O), carbon (δ13Cen) and radiogenic strontium (87Sr/86Sr) isotopes in tooth enamel. The results of this study revealed a dietary pattern of predominantly C3-plant and domestic C3-fed herbivore consumption during adulthood (δ13Ccol andδ15N, respectively) but a higher proportion of C4-plant input during childhood (δ13Cen) for some individuals —interpreted as possible childhood consumption of millet porridge, a common practice in North Africa—in those with unorthodox burial types (Groups 1 and 2) that was not practiced in the individuals with canonical burials (Group 3). In this first mobility study of a medieval Muslim population in Portugal,δ18ODW values revealed greater heterogeneity in Groups 1 and 2, consistent with diverse origins, some in more humid regions than Santar ém when compared to regional precipitationδ18O data, contrasting the more homogenous Group 3, consistent with the local precipitationδ18O range. Ancient DNA analysis conducted on three individuals revealed maternal (mtDNA) and paternal (Y-chromosome) lineages compatible with a North African origin for (at least) some of the individuals. Additionally, mobility of females in this population was higher than males, potentially resulting from a patrilocal social system, practiced in Berber and Arab communities...
Source: PLoS One - Category: Biomedical Science Authors: Source Type: research