Reconstructed Paleodiets and Subsistence Strategies of the Central Ciscaucasian Population (1000 BC to 1000 AD), Based on Collagen Isotope Analysis of Bone Samples from the Kichmalka II Burial Ground

Settlement and economy patterns of the Iron Age early medieval population Central North Caucasus evidence complex cultural processes in region. The ecological approach including evaluation carbon nitrogen isotopes local biota opens up new prospects study environments, climate, anthropogenic effect, land use, nutrition. We analyze isotopic composition collagen 19 human 11 animal bone samples from Kichmalka II—a cemetery successively used by Koban people, those Sarmatian stage, Alans. Alanian sample indicates a heavy predominance plants with C3-type photosynthesis diet humans animals. People who lived during stages consumed also C4-plants, such as common millet (Panicum miliaceum), suggesting rise trophic step for (Δδ13Chuman-animal). Statistically signifi cant differences were found within population, apparently evidencing two dietary models. Δδ15Nhuman-animal values fall step, mirroring focus on meat dairy products all groups. Comparison respective data Klin-Yar III revealed signatures both domestic animals period. possible reason is climatic change variable share people. low proportion δ15N (below 4 ‰) goat, sheep, horse period may attest to vertical transhumance.