Detection of diagenetic alteration in bones and teeth for migration and dietary studies — a combined FTIR and C-N–O-Sr isotope study on tenth century CE cemeteries in northern and northeastern Hungary

Abstract Stable isotope-based dietary information on the tenth century CE Hungarian population serves as a valuable comparative tool to other stable isotope studies in region. This study presents multiproxy approach involving skeletal samples with least diagenetic alteration and best-preserved primary signals. Dental bone collected from three cemeteries northeastern Hungary were investigated using combination of Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), geochemistry, strontium analysis. FTIR measurements used detect addition secondary carbonate apatite component differentiate diagenetically altered samples. Our results suggest that all but values 87 Sr/ 86 Sr ratios are trustworthy may be interpret diet migration researched individuals. We also determined inhabitants settlements relied primarily C 3 plants, 4 most likely broomcorn millet ( P. miliaceum ), comprised moderate portion their plant-based animal products generally consumed moderate-high amounts. Coupled analyses oxygen compositions revealed was heavily altered, whereas enamel largely preserved compositions. The bones showing amount partially preserve compositions, well show signals, which should taken into consideration when data interpreted.