Content:
In our paper, we will discuss the potential and limitations of using the strontium isotope (87Sr/86Sr) in human mobility studies in the context of examples from the lowlands of East-Central Europe. Here the ranges of bioavailable 87Sr/86Sr are largely determined by the postglacial origins of most of the surface sediments. Theoretically, this also allows the detection of long-distance migrants from two main directions, in the north and south. The first is Scandinavia, built mostly of older rocks of the Fennoscandian Shield that are the source of highly radiogenic strontium. The second is a strip of highlands covered with loess, stretching along the southern mountain ranges, mainly the Carpathians. Recent studies show that although strontium isotope values are higher in the South than previously assumed, they are still clearly less radiogenic than in the northern lowlands. In practice, tracking travellers from beyond the plains, is extremely difficult. The growing amount of data revealed a high variability of strontium isotope ratios in the postglacial landscapes. As a consequence, it has become clear that non-local strontium isotope values observed in humans may reflect both long-distance travels and migrations, and more local mobility ruled by specific residence patterns.
We will address the challenges of using strontium isotopes to answer archaeological questions, basing on our own research and re-analysis of published data. These will include tackling the problem of establishing local baseline values, selection and processing of environmental samples, and statistical and spatial analysis of the obtained data. We will also give examples of using other isotope systems to increase the efficiency and accuracy of detecting non-local individuals and determining their places of origin. Finally, we will look at the possibilities of integrating strontium and other isotopic data with archaeological evidence, and the role of archaeological theory in creating narratives about human mobility and migrations.
Keywords:
strontium, isotope analysis, mobility, human, East-Central Europe
Affiliations:
1 Bristol Isotope Group, University of Bristol
2 Institute of Archaeology and Ethnology, Polish Academy of Sciences