Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis and dietary reconstruction through the life course at Neolithic Çatalhöyük, Turkey

Dietary practices at Neolithic Çatalhöyük varied significantly across the life course, with distinct dietary transitions marking key developmental stages. Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis revealed that neonates reflected maternal diets during pregnancy, infants were breastfed until around 18 months of age, and weaning occurred by three years. Older children consumed different foods compared to adolescents and young adults, who in turn differed from middle-aged and older adults. Notably, no sex-related dietary differences were observed, suggesting that life-course transitions rather than gender influenced food consumption patterns at Çatalhöyük.

Pearson, J. A., Haddow, S. D., Hillson, S. W., Knüsel, C. J., Larsen, C. S., & Sadvari, J. W. (2015). Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis and dietary reconstruction through the life course at Neolithic Çatalhöyük, Turkey. Journal of Social Archaeology, 15(2), 210–232. https://doi.org/10.1177/1469605315582983