The Mesolithic-Neolithic Transition in Portugal: Isotopic and Dental Evidence of Diet

Paired radiocarbon (AMS) and stable isotope (δ13C and δ15N) analyses of human bone collagen from Mesolithic and Neolithic Portuguese skeletons suggest a marked change of diet just prior to 7000 BP at the Mesolithic-Neolithic transition. The Mesolithic diet was based on foods of both marine and terrestrial origins, while the Neolithic diet was more dependent on terrestrial food sources. A linear correlation trend between δ13C and δ15N for the …