On the use of trace elements in ancient necropolis studies: Overview and ICP-MS application to the case study of Valdaro site, Italy

Abstract

The cross-cutting study of archaeological human remains is an important tool for improving the knowledge of the past civilities. Bones are actually bio-archives, storing information about the lifestyles of the individuals, the place where they lived, the migration habits. In particular, some peculiar trace elements (such as strontium and zinc) are considered indicators of the so-called paleodiet, i.e. whether characterized by vegetables, cereals or meat. A complete overview of the concerning literature is the starting point of this work. A straightforward optimized methodology for the study of ancient bones is proposed coupling for the first time trace element determination by ICP-MS (Mg, Mn, Cu, Zn, Sr and Pb were investigated) and statistical data analysis. The protocol was applied to samples coming from a necropolis (dated from Neolithic to Bronze Age) found in Northern Italy including 'The Valdaro Lovers', a rare double burial where the two skeletons were facing each other with their arms wrapped around in an enduring embrace. Principal Component Analysis and Discriminant Analysis permitted to correctly classify individuals by the historical period in which they lived according to the archaeological and anthropological information. The results were compared with those found in the literature and a critical discussion on the use of trace metals in this case study is given.

The Diet of Three Medieval Individuals from Caravate (Varese, Italy). Combined Results of ICP‐MS Analysis of Trace Elements and Phytolith Analysis Conducted on Their Dental Calculus

“…In recent years, considerable progress has been made in dietary studies, thanks to the use of instruments such as inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS), by which it is possible to perform a fast and precise analysis of trace elements contained in various types of samples, including teeth and bones. The evaluation of concentration and the isotopic abundances of certain elements to obtain information about past populations is now possible (Lambert et al , ; Klepinger, ; Budd et al , ; Schutkowski et al , ; Szostek and Głąb, ; Szostek et al , ; Djingova et al , ; Webb et al , ; Busetto et al , ; Simonetti et al , ; Corti et al , ; Tomczyk et al , ).…”

Dietary Changes across the Neolithic Levels of the Tepecik-Çiftlik Population

“…Thus, seemingly Sr, Zn, and Mg levels are important for this study. Bivariate analysis of elements with calcium was then used to normalize the element concentration, based on the principle that, if diagenesis had occurred, it affected both the calcium matrix and trace elements in the same way (Corti et al, 2013;Busetto et al, 2008;Giorgi et al, 2005).…”

“…Any changes in nutritional habits actually reflect changes in subsistence strategies, leaving traces on bones and teeth such as musculoskeletal markers and tooth decay, as exemplified by the transformation from hunting-gathering to sedentary life (Corti et al, 2013).…”

Historical overview and new directions in bioarchaeological trace element analysis: a review

“…Some of these studies (e.g. González-Reimers et al Szostek et al 2003 ; Busetto et al 2008 ; Corti et al 2013 ; Ïzci et al 2013 ; Bianchi et al 2017 ; Guede et al 2017 ; Bocca et al 2018 ; Rasmussen et al 2020a ) have continued to suggest that elements, such as Ba, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni), Sr, and Zn, among others, can be used to make direct inferences about palaeodiet. In doing so, these studies often rely upon the correlational literature from the 1980s to advocate for the use of TE concentrations and ratios to deduce the relative contributions of different dietary constituents, such as terrestrial animal and marine proteins versus plants.…”