EAA 2023: Abstract

Gallic populations occupied most of Western Europe during the late Iron Age. They are increasingly studied as they experienced major variations at the climatic and political scale. However, knowledge about their cultural legacy is scarce, due to a predominantly oral transmission of culture and traditions and the lack of written sources. Thézy-Glimont, in Northern France, is an archaeological site which was excavated in 2013 in the context of rescue archaeology. These works highlighted a total of 17 rectangular graves containing human and animal remains aligned along rows and dating between the third and second century BCE. The careful deposition of humans and animals, intentionally aligned in each grave, led to the interpretation of these finds as “offering graves”. An open question relates to the geographic origin and social status of the buried individuals. The analysis of stable isotopes from bone and dental remains of humans and animals from the site may offer insights about these aspects. Oxygen isotope data of bioapatite phosphate groups show they experienced mean air temperatures of approximately 10°C, which is comparable to present day temperatures in the region. This result accords with paleoclimatic studies suggesting a warm episode in Europe during the late Iron Age. Stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen from bone collagen highlight for humans a mixed diet based on C3-plants and a minor contribution of meat from cattle. Additionally, three human skeletons were incrementally sampled to study intra-individual variability in stable isotope values. Results suggest that the individuals had a consistent lifestyle and were probably locals. Hypotheses are discussed regarding the social status of these individuals and the ritual practices associated with their burial. This study illustrates how a comprehensive understanding of archaeological contexts and of the interaction between individuals and their physical environment can be achieved using stable isotope analysis.

stable isotopes, Iron Age, climate, diet, geographical origin, bone and dental remains

Oral presentation

  Abstract (PDF)

Thibault Clauzel⁴

Pascale Richardin^2,3
François Fourel⁵
Jean-Pierre Flandrois⁶
Christophe Lécuyer^1,4