Work

Island subsistence during the Late Bronze and Iron Age in Menorca: insights from stable isotopes and Bayesian mixing models at the Biniadrís Cave (Spain)

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The Biniadrís cave, a Late Bronze and Early Iron Age funerary site in Menorca, Spain, offers exceptional preservation for investigating Western Mediterranean dietary patterns. Stable isotopes of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) in bone collagen, have proven to be a valuable tool for examining the variability of animal protein intake. This study uses previous results on human remains from the Biniadrís cave and, through the analysis of fauna bone collagen samples combined with Bayesian modelling, reconstructs the paleodiet of the Late Bronze and Iron Age population at the site.By integrating data from zooarchaeological assemblages across various archaeological contexts, both domestic and funerary, we aim to establish a comprehensive baseline to understand the protein diet of individuals in Menorca. The combination of stable isotope analysis and zooarchaeological data enables us to assess the dietary habits and subsistence strategies employed by the Late Bronze and Iron Age inhabitants. Furthermore, Bayesian mixing models were employed to determine the proportions of protein consumption from different sources, providing a nuanced understanding of dietary contributions from various animal species, revealing differences through time.The findings indicate the rise of the pig as a significant food source from the Middle/Late Bronze Age to Iron Age in Menorca, supplemented by cattle and goat. This dietary pattern is associated with dryland farming, which was the predominant agricultural strategy during this period. The study also highlights the broader implications of these dietary practices for understanding social and economic aspects of the Late Bronze Age/ Iron Age society in Menorca, including farming practices, animal husbandry, and resource management.

Source: Journal of Archaeological Science Reports

DOI: 10.1016/j.jasrep.2026.105699