How to study the diet of ancient civilizations

The diet of ancient civilizations offers a fascinating window into the past, revealing how early humans adapted their diet to the natural and social environments around them. Understanding what our ancestors ate not only allows us to reconstruct their lifestyle, but also provides key information about the evolution of nutrition and culinary traditions that have survived to this day.

1. Analysis of bone remains

The study of bone remains is one of the most important tools in food archaeology. Human and animal bones can reveal information about the types of foods consumed through:

-Stable isotopes: Analysis of carbon and nitrogen isotopes in bones makes it possible to identify the proportion of plant and animal foods in the diet.

-Dental microwear: Marks on the teeth caused by eating certain types of foods can indicate whether the diet included hard, fibrous, or soft foods.

2. Analysis of residues in ceramics

Old crocks and other kitchen utensils contain microscopic debris that can provide valuable clues about prepared and stored foods. Scientists use techniques such as:

-Lipid analysis: The remains of animal and vegetable fats adhere to the walls of the vessels, allowing the identification of specific species of plants and animals consumed.

-Starch and phytolith studies: Plants leave microscopic traces that can be analyzed to determine which plant species were part of the diet.

3. Study of coprolites

Coprolites, or fossilized excrement, are a direct source of dietary information. By analyzing them, researchers can obtain precise details about:

-Foods ingested: Remains of seeds, bones and fibers that were not completely digested.

-Parasites: The presence of intestinal parasites provides information about the hygiene and health conditions of the population.

(Photo: USGS)

4. Archaeobotanical evidence

The study of plant remains, such as seeds, grains, and coals, offers detailed insight into the plant-based diet. The main techniques include:

-Floatation: It consists of submerging the sediments in water to recover light organic materials.

-Pollen analysis: Fossilized pollen reveals which plant species were available in the environment and potentially consumed.

5. Art and written records

In civilizations that developed writing, ancient texts are an invaluable source for understanding diet. Documents may include:

-Recipes and culinary descriptions: Details about food preparation and eating customs.

-Agricultural records: Information on the most important crops and the cultivation techniques used.

Art, on the other hand, shows visual representations of banquets, offerings and markets that illustrate how food was organized in these societies.

6. Geographic and climatic context

The natural environment played a crucial role in shaping ancient diets. By studying the climate and geology of the region, scientists can better understand what resources were available and how they were exploited.

The study of the diet of ancient civilizations is therefore a multidisciplinary field that combines archaeology, biology, chemistry and history to reconstruct an essential aspect of human life. Thanks to technological advances, today we can access previously unimaginable details about what our ancestors ate and how this influenced the development of cultures. Understanding their diet not only helps us better understand the past, but also provides us with valuable lessons for the present and future of human nutrition.