Reconstructing the lifetime movements of ancient people: a Neolithic case study from southern England

Montgomery, Janet; Budd, Paul; Evans, Jane

Abstract

A new procedure is described in which combined lead and strontium isotope analysis of archaeological human dental tissues can be used to comment on the lifetime movements of individuals. A case study is presented of four Neolithic burials – an adult female and three juveniles – from a shared burial pit excavated at Monkton-up-Wimbourne, Dorset. It is demonstrated that the adult's place of origin was at least 80km to the north-west in the area of the Mendips. It is also shown that all three juveniles moved over significant distances during their lives.

Citation

Montgomery, J., Budd, P., & Evans, J. (2000). Reconstructing the lifetime movements of ancient people: a Neolithic case study from southern England. European Journal of Archaeology, 3(3), 370-385. https://doi.org/10.1177/146195710000300304

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Dec 1, 2000
• Deposit Date: Dec 12, 2013
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 22, 2014
• Journal: European Journal of Archaeology
• Print ISSN: 1461-9571
• Electronic ISSN: 1741-2722
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 3
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 370-385
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/146195710000300304
• Keywords: Dentine, Enamel, Human teeth, Isotope dilution, Lead and strontium isotopes, Neolithic, PIMMS, TIMS.
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1473617