In parallel with carbon-14 dating, the stable isotopes of carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, and strontium will provide important information on diets and population movements.
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In archaeology, isotopic analysis consists of measuring the ratios between stable isotopes of the same chemical element. Within the framework of this analysis, the ratios are analyzed 13C/12C for carbon, 15N/14N for nitrogen, 34S/32S for sulfur and 87Sr/86Sr for strontium.
The aim: to obtain detailed information on the origin, history or biological or environmental characteristics.
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The CIRAM laboratories do not just provide dating; they systematically integrate isotopic analyses to contextualize the results and validate the data obtained. These complementary analyses make it possible to establish a more complete diagnosis of the condition of the samples and to avoid any erroneous interpretation.
For bones, elemental analysis, and in particular the carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratio, is a key indicator of collagen preservation. An outlier in the C/N ratio could indicate significant alteration of the sample, making carbon 14 dating unreliable. In addition, analysis of the13isotope ratio provides information on the nature of the organic material studied. For example, it can be used to distinguish authentic charcoal from other forms of carbon that could distort the archaeological interpretation.
Isotopic and elemental analysis therefore proves essential, as it allows for:
Depending on the nature of the archaeological artifact, the choice of component to analyze varies. The larger the corpus studied, the more relevant the results. The analysis of a single sample is not sufficient to obtain solid conclusions.
The most suitable materials for stable isotope analysis are mainly:
However, isotopic analysis is not limited to organic materials. Carbon and oxygen isotopes, as well as strontium isotopes, can be used to determine the origin of marbles.
Request a studyThe analysis of the ratio between carbon 13 and carbon 12 (δ13C) informs about the photosynthetic strategies of plants and thus allows the identification of plant resources consumed in the past. C3 plants (woody trees, wheat, rice) have a δ13C below -20 ‰, while C4 plants (corn, sugarcane) show a δ13C between -10 and -20 ‰.
Isotopes are separated using an isotope ratio mass spectrometer (IRMS) coupled with an elemental analyzer (EA), ensuring optimal analytical precision.
The study of stable nitrogen isotopesis combined with that of carbon for the study of bones and teeth in particular.
Nitrogen isotopes are a key tracer of the dietary habits of an individual or animal. A high ratio indicates a diet rich in animal proteins, while a low ratio reflects a predominantly plant-based diet.
This analysis makes it possible to differentiate between carnivorous, herbivorous and omnivorous diets, and to detect the ecological and cultural interactions of ancient populations.
The analysis of the ratio of sulfur isotopes 34 and 32 (𝛿34S) is increasingly used in addition to carbon and nitrogen isotopes. These studies help us understand the diet and movements of animals and humans during prehistoric and historical periods.
We also use the sulfur isotopes to explore the variability of terrestrial, marine, and freshwater diets. They are also used as indicators of environmental changes.
Strontium is a metal that is easily found in nature, whether in minerals or soils. It is the assimilation by plants in the form of mineral salts that will make thestrontium isotopes interesting.
By studying the isotopic ratio of strontium 87 and 86 present in archaeological teeth and bones, it will be possible to define the geographical origin of individuals and identify potential migrations.
However, the ratio values 87Sr/86Sr are very heterogeneous, even within limited areas. This is why only a study of a significant corpus will be relevant, and investigations will have to be limited to a few hypotheses only.
Our laboratories specializing in isotopic analysis rely on cutting-edge equipment, including isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS), to deliver unparalleled precision results. In addition to isotopic analysis, we also offer services in anthracology/xylology, organic residue analysis, and luminescence dating.
Thanks to our expertise, we support researchers in archaeology and bioarchaeology in interpreting isotopic data to reconstruct dietary habits, identify past migrations, and characterize the origin of archaeological materials.
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Contact our teamsIsotope analysis consists of measuring the ratios between different isotopes of the same chemical element (such as carbon, nitrogen or strontium) to derive information about the past. In archaeology, it is used to understand diets, migrations, the origin of materials and climatic conditions in ancient times.
Isotopic analyses generally focus on carbon (C), nitrogen (N), sulfur (S) and strontium (Sr). These elements are present in bones, tooth enamel, stone artifacts and certain organic materials.
Each isotope provides specific information. For example, carbon and nitrogen reveal diet, sulfur indicates the origin of food resources (terrestrial or marine), and strontium provides information on the geographic origin of an individual or a material. By cross-referencing these data, researchers obtain a more accurate picture of the past.
Yes, isotope analysis is not limited to bones and teeth. It also applies to marble and other inorganic materials. The study of carbon and oxygen isotopes, for example, makes it possible to identify the provenance of ancient marbles and trace ancient trade.
Our laboratories use high-precision equipment, such as isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS). Each sample undergoes a strict preparation and analysis protocol to ensure reliable, reproducible results.
The CIRAM has dated two fossil woods whose exceptional preservation is explained in particular by their burial in a humid, oxygen-poor environment.
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