Reconstruction of the diet in a mediaeval monastic community from the coast of Belgium

Stable isotope analysis was applied to a Belgian coastal population from the Late Middle Ages: the monastic community of the Dunes abbey in Koksijde (12-15th century). Carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios were measured in bone collagen from 19 humans (I I adults and eight children) and 10 animals. Results show that diets were largely based on terrestrial foods, but marine resources also formed a source of protein. Results also suggest differences in human diets that may be related to social status. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.