Calakmul as a Central Place: Isotopic Insights on Urban Maya Mobility and Diet During the First Millennium AD

A majority of Calakmul's central population, including two rulers, likely originated locally, as indicated by narrow strontium isotope variations in 22 human and five faunal samples. This isotopic analysis reveals that over two-thirds of the urban Maya residents had local origins during the first millennium AD. Additionally, carbon and nitrogen isotope data confirm a typical Classic Maya diet at the site, with one dynastic individual showing unusually high meat consumption. The study combines radiocarbon dating, collagen and tooth enamel isotope ratios to provide new insights into the mobility and dietary habits of Calakmul's inhabitants, including a potential local origin for a royal occupant.

Price, T. D., Tiesler, V., Folan, W. J., & Tykot, R. H. (2018). CALAKMUL AS A CENTRAL PLACE: ISOTOPIC INSIGHTS ON URBAN MAYA MOBILITY AND DIET DURING THE FIRST MILLENNIUM AD. Latin American Antiquity, 29(3), 439–454. https://doi.org/10.1017/laq.2018.31