Summary
A new isotopic analysis reveals that the diet of individuals buried at the Všech svatých cemetery in Kutná Hora–Sedlec (13th–14th centuries) was significantly richer in animal products, particularly among women, compared to a rural population from Oškobrh. The study, using carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotope ratios from bone samples of 24 individuals, found that while both groups primarily consumed C3 plants, Kutná Hora’s diet included more meat or fish. This suggests a higher-protein, urban-influenced diet in Kutná Hora, contrasting with the more plant-based rural diet. The findings reflect medieval dietary shifts away from millet cultivation and highlight a well-balanced diet with sufficient animal protein, aligning with broader trends in Central Europe during this period.
Citation
Drtikolová Kaupová, S., Frolík, J., Velemínský, P., Velímský, F., Vytlačil, Z., & Brzobohatá, H. (2024). První výsledky rekonstrukce stravy jedinců pohřbených u hřbitovního karneru Všech svatých v Kutné Hoře – Sedlci. Archeologické Rozhledy, 75(3), 233–252. https://doi.org/10.35686/ar.2023.17