AI interpretationAI-generated
Byzantine Anatolia: isotopes and DNA reveal diet, mobility, and one migrant.
This study combines stable isotope and ancient DNA data from two Byzantine communities in western Anatolia: coastal Kadıkalesi Anaia and inland Barcın Höyük. Isotopes from 38 individuals show both ate mainly terrestrial C3 foods. Kadıkalesi had more varied nitrogen values, hinting at unequal access to animal protein, plus dietary differences by age and sex. Rural Barcın was isotopically uniform, suggesting more equal food access. DNA at Barcın shows local genetic continuity with one male of eastern European-related ancestry, matching historical military resettlement.
- Both Byzantine communities relied primarily on terrestrial C3-based resources, according to carbon and nitrogen isotopes.
- Kadıkalesi Anaia shows greater dietary variability by protein access, age, and sex; Barcın Höyük is more homogeneous.
- Ancient DNA at Barcın indicates predominant local genetic continuity, with one male showing eastern European-related ancestry.
Sample interpretation
The site sample includes 7 ancient individuals. Y-chromosome haplogroups were resolved for 4: T-Y20700 appears twice, plus R-L23 and R-CTS10676 once each. Mitochondrial DNA is more diverse: U5a1b1c1 appears twice, while U3b2, H, H107, U1a1c1, and T2b4-T152C! each appear once. These small numbers mean the genetic patterns are suggestive, not definitive, but they hint at both local continuity and limited external input.
For genealogy enthusiasts
For ancestry fans, this study shows how ancient DNA and isotopes together can reveal diet, mobility, and social structure. The single non-local male at rural Barcın is a reminder that even seemingly stable communities could receive migrants, possibly soldiers, linking genetic ancestry to historical resettlement.
Abstract
This study presents the integrated results of stable carbon (δ¹³C) and nitrogen (δ¹⁵N) isotope and aDNA analyses, conducted to examine dietary and mobility practices in two mid- to late Byzantine communities in western Anatolia: the coastal, cosmopolitan site of Kadıkalesi Anaia and the rural inland settlement of Barcın Höyük. Isotopic data from thirty-eight individuals indicate that both populations primarily consumed terrestrial C₃-based resources. At Kadıkalesi, δ¹⁵N values show greater variability, suggesting more differentiated access to animal protein sources, whereas the rural community at Barcın Höyük exhibits isotopic homogeneity, consistent with more uniform dietary practices and an equitable access to food. Kadıkalesi also shows intra-site dietary variation by age and sex, while Barcın is again more homogeneous. At Barcın, aDNA results indicate a predominant local genetic continuity, suggesting a stable population; a single instance of external ancestry is attested by a male individual with affinities to western populations, particularly from eastern Europe, in line with historical military resettlement patterns (stratiotika ktemata). By integrating isotopic and genomic evidence, this study demonstrates how ancestry and mobility shaped dietary habits, offering insights into the interplay of urbanism, mobility, and social organization in the Byzantine period.