ABSTRACT

Trace element and stable isotope analysis of prehistoric human hard tissue remains is a means of reconstructing ancient dietary habits and of the evaluation of certain pathological features in ancient societies. A very promising new field of research is the analysis of trace elements and stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes in ancient human remains. Analysis of the elemental composition of skeletons gives direct information on the chemical constituents of the environment. Compact bone specimens are recommended for analysis. Stable isotope analysis requires the extraction of collagen by acid hydrolysis. The chemical constituents of the body tissues enter the organism mainly by intake of food and drinking water. Trace element contents and stable isotope ratios in excavated human skeletons lead to the reconstruction of ancient dietary habits. It is most likely that certain metabolic disorders can also be detected by trace element analysis of excavated human skeletons.