Isotope Analysis

The first ever analysis of isotopic signatures at Portus was undertaken on mid and late Imperial burials, together with samples from contemporary food sources. This has been added to the results of our studies of excavated animal and fish bones and carbonized seeds. Both sets of analyses have enabled us to build upon earlier work by other scholars studying ancient populations at Isola Sacra, as well as shed light on a ‘food-web’ analysis of the origin, social status, diet and life histories of those living and working at the port.