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Jordanian migration and mobility in the Middle Bronze Age (ca. 2100–1550 BCE) at Pella
Author(s) -
Stantis Chris,
Maaranen Nina,
Kharobi Arwa,
Nowell Geoff M.,
Macpherson Colin,
Schutkowski Holger,
Bourke Stephen
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
international journal of osteoarchaeology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.738
H-Index - 60
eISSN - 1099-1212
pISSN - 1047-482X
DOI - 10.1002/oa.3069
Subject(s) - bronze age , chalcolithic , isotope analysis , geography , archaeology , carbonate , human settlement , biology , chemistry , ecology , organic chemistry
The site of Pella, located in the foothills of the east Jordan valley, was a prosperous city–state throughout the Middle Bronze Age (MBA, ca. 2000–1500 BCE). As part of a widespread trading network, Pella enjoyed extensive socio‐economic relationships with Egypt, Cyprus, and the Aegean, Anatolia, and Babylonia during this period. We report isotopic analysis ( 87 Sr/ 86 Sr, δ 18 O, and δ 13 C) from enamel of 22 human permanent second molars of which 13 second lower molars were used for an additional biodistance analysis based on ASUDAS. The multidisciplinary approach investigates the ancestral background of MBA Pella and the degree of temporary or more permanent relocation from other settlements. Ancillary to carbonate isotope analysis for migration investigation, dietary information in the form of δ 13 C carbonate was also collected. δ 13 C carbonate values (mean −12.3‰ ± 0.4 SD) suggest a uniform diet reliant on C 3 cereals and legumes as crops and animal fodder, adhering to expected Bronze Age Levantine dietary norms. Two methods are used to identify non‐locals. Using a biospheric baseline, three individuals with non‐local 87 Sr/ 86 Sr ratios are identified. Bagplot analysis of both 87 Sr/ 86 Sr and δ 18 O data suggests that three individuals (14%) grew up elsewhere; two individuals who were already identified as 87 Sr/ 86 Sr outliers using biospheric data and one more with outlying δ 18 O values. All individuals identified as non‐locals, using either method, are from one tomb, Tomb 62. The dental nonmetric traits indicated diverse morphology and subsequent ancestry for Tomb 62 (11/13), whereas primary burials (2/13) clustered together. The commingled condition of Tomb 62 material prevented a more exhaustive biodistance analysis, but the tentative results coincide with interpretations of the tomb. Significant movements of populations throughout the Middle Bronze Age are evidenced through funerary rituals and architecture, and this study demonstrates that Pella, thought to be peripheral, nonetheless had some permanent movement evidenced through isotopes and ancestry analysis.