Zooarchaeology and Stable Isotopes

Stable isotope studies have become commonplace in archaeological investigations of human health, diet, and mobility, often underpinned by small comparative studies of associated faunal material. In recent years, the value of studying the isotope data of faunal materials in their own right has been recognized, allowing for detailed research into animal diets, changes in animal management, mobility, environment, and procurement, and what this may mean for human–animal relationships in the past. This entry provides examples of recent studies that highlight the potential for stable carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, oxygen, and radiogenic strontium isotope studies, in combination with zooarchaeological investigation.