Theoretically informed isotope analysis: human-animal relationships at Fishbourne Roman Palace

Summary

Stable isotope studies have become common-place in archaeological investigations of human diet and mobility, often underpinned by small comparative studies of associated animal remains which are generally utilised as baseline data. However, the value of moving beyond such anthropocentric studies and of analysing animals in their own right is becoming increasingly recognised. Detailed research on animal diet and mobility is enhancing our understanding of animal management and patterns of procurement but there is scope to consider isotope data in more theoretically informed way, to examine broader issues of human-animal relationships in the past.

To highlight the benefits of a human-animal studies approach to isotope analysis, this paper will present the results of an investigation focused on the high-status site of Fishbourne Roman Palace in England. It will explore how incorporation into the Roman Empire inspired new relationship between people, animals and their environments.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 82nd Annual Meeting, Vancouver, BC (2017)   •
• Methodological Advances in Isotopic Zooarchaeology

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Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 13269