This study measured strontium isotope ratios and strontium concentrations in cremated human remains from Iron Age and Roman Nijmegen in the Netherlands. Urban and military groups tended to have higher bone strontium, which the authors suggest may reflect more salt-preserved and salt-rich food, while northern rural groups were more stable.
Key numbers
- The study used 331 isotope and 221 elemental analyses (Introduction, p. 3).
- Iron Age long-bone strontium (normalized to 40 percent calcium) ranged from 73 to 194 ppm; northern IQR 104 to 138 ppm, southern IQR 82 to 96 ppm (Results, p. 10).
- Roman southern urban group 90 to 264 ppm (IQR 138 to 177 ppm) versus northern rural 56 to 260 ppm (IQR 90 to 125 ppm); military 93 to 206 ppm (IQR 130 to 174 ppm) (Results, p. 10).
- Isotope groups: Iron Age rural north n = 24, elite south n = 9; Roman rural north n = 31, urban south n = 78, military n = 23 (Results, pp. 9 to 10).
Methods (brief)
Long-bone diaphyses, ribs and tooth roots were sampled from cremations; strontium isotope ratios were measured by TIMS or MC-ICP-MS against NIST SRM 987, and concentrations by triple-quadrupole ICP-MS with NIST SRM 1400 for quality control, normalized to 40 percent calcium.
Evidence fitness
Supports the statements that bone strontium concentration reflects dietary input and that salt-rich foods are a plausible strontium source. It does not support modern intake or toxicity statements.
Limitations
Salt consumption is inferred, not measured. Cremated bone integrates diet over years. Concentration groups vary in size and context.
Related evidence
Update history
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