The Orenburg Urals Population from the End of the Middle to the Beginning of the Late Bronze Age based on Isotopic Research
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24852/2587-6112.2025.3.196.209Keywords:
archaeology, Orenburg Urals, mobility, diet, isotope analysis, Late Middle Bronze Age, Early Late Bronze AgeAbstract
This study analyzes the ratios of strontium isotopes, and stable isotopes of nitrogen and carbon, in samples from human and animal remains originating from multicultural sites in the Orenburg Urals region dating to the end of the Middle and the beginning of the Late Bronze Age. 87Sr/86Sr values were examined for 10 individuals associated with the Sintashta-Abashevo cultural burials. It was concluded that the majority of the studied individuals were indigenous inhabitants of the Ural geochemical province. An exception is a male from the Krasikovo 3/1 burial related to the Abashevo culture, whose childhood may have occurred under different radiogenic conditions, in areas located significantly west of the Urals. The δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N values were analyzed for three representatives of Post-Catacomb cultures, two bearers of Seima-Turbino traditions, and seven representatives of cultures from the initial phase of the Late Bronze Age in the region: Southern Ural Abashevo, Sintashta, and Srubnaya. Considerable diversity in dietary patterns was noted, with no discernible gender-related patterns. Alongside a "cattle-breeding" diet, instances were identified where the ancient population consumed food of river (or lake) origin, as well as cases of reduced protein intake in the diet.
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