Carbon, nitrogen and sulphur isotope data of archaeological fish and mammal bone collagen from Lithuania

Until relatively recently, stable sulphur isotope analysis of bone collagen was seldom undertaken in bioarchaeological research. With increasing frequency, its application has proven useful in reconstructing palaeodiets and palaeoecologies, as well as identifying potential migration and mobility patterns. Here, sulphur (d(34)S) isotope analysis, together with carbon (d(13)C) and nitrogen (d(15)N), was performed on six fish and 34 mammal bone collagen samples from 14 prehistoric sites in Lithuania dating from the Late Mesolithic (ca. 7000-5000 cal BC) to the Late Bronze Age (ca. 1100-500 cal BC). We present the first d(34)S data from Lithuania, including coupled d(13)C and d(15)N data, offering a crucial dataset for future research to explore spatial and temporal variability in the region and beyond.

Automated summary

Until recently, stable sulphur isotope analysis of bone collagen was rarely used in bioarchaeological research. However, its application has become more common and proved to be useful in reconstructing paleodiets, paleoecologies, and identifying migration patterns. This study conducted sulphur isotope analysis, along with carbon and nitrogen analysis, on bone collagen samples from prehistoric sites in Lithuania, providing valuable data for future research on spatial and temporal variability in the region.