The monks of San Millán: Investigating the transition between pre-monastic and monastic diet using carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios in incremental dentine

A study of monks from the San Millán Yuso Monastery (17th–18th century) reveals distinct dietary transitions upon entering monastic life. Analysis of carbon and nitrogen isotopes in dentine and rib collagen shows two adult dietary cohorts: one with high meat/dairy intake alongside C3 plants, and another incorporating C4 plants. Childhood diet data from dentine suggests four monks transitioned from lower-status diets to monastic rules, highlighting the social diversity of early entrants (aged 7–8) and the influence of monastic orders on their later lives.

Higuero Pliego, A., & Beaumont, J. (2023). The monks of San Millán: Investigating the transition between pre-monastic and monastic diet using carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios in incremental dentine. Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 49, 103981. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jasrep.2023.103981