Bird eggs in the diet of ancient Pompeii: An SEM analysis of archaeological avian eggshell

The presence of avian eggshell is often interpreted generally as evidence food consumption. When identified taxonomically it can be used a parallel line to gain clearer picture ancient subsistence practices (Beacham and Durand, 2007). Pompeii Archaeological Research Project: Porta Stabia (PARP:PS) conducted excavations in Insula VIII.7 Pompeii, non-elite neighborhood, between 2005 2012. located near the so-called entertainment district which includes two theaters quadriporticus that also may have served or leisure functions. We predicted domesticated chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) eggs would play an important role diet, chickens were frequently mentioned primary sources, prevalent PARP:PS bone assemblage, are noted being cheaper alternatives other meat sources. found while made up bulk partridge (Perdix perdix) significant portion well.