High-resolution isotopic data link settlement complexification to infant diets within the Roman Empire

Area of Science:

• Paleoanthropology
• Bioarchaeology
• Roman History

Background:

• Infant feeding practices are crucial for child development and survival.
• Understanding historical infant feeding requires robust analytical methods.
• Roman society had established medical recommendations for infant care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between infant feeding practices and settlement complexity in the Roman Empire.
• To determine variations in breastfeeding duration across different Roman sites.
• To explore potential socio-economic and cultural factors influencing weaning ages.

Main Methods:

• High-resolution Bayesian-modeled stable isotope analysis of incremental dentine.
• Analysis of carbon and nitrogen isotopes from permanent first molars.
• Compilation of data from Roman sites: Bainesse (UK), Thessaloniki (Greece), Pompeii, and Ostia Via del Mare (AVM).

Main Results:

• Significant inter-site variability in breastfeeding durations (1.5 to 5 years).
• Urban centers (Pompeii, Thessaloniki) showed weaning around or below the 2-year threshold.
• Rural/frontier sites (Ostia AVM, Bainesse) generally exhibited breastfeeding durations exceeding 2 years.

Conclusions:

• Settlement complexity correlates with infant breastfeeding duration in the Roman Empire.
• Observed differences may stem from adherence to Roman medical guidelines.
• Household support structures and economic strategies likely influenced weaning practices.