First isotope analysis and new radiocarbon dating of Trypillia (Tripolye) farmers from Verteba Cave, Biche Zolote, Ukraine

• This paper presents an analysis of human and animal remains from Verteba cave,near Bilche Zolote, western Ukraine. This study was prompted by a paucity of direct dates on thismaterial and the need to contextualise these remains in relation both to the transition from hunt-ing and gathering to farming in Ukraine, and their specific place within the Cucuteni-Trypillia cul-ture sequence. The new absolute dating places the remains studied here in Trypillia stages BII/CIat c. 3900–3500 cal BC, with one individual now redated to the Early Scythian period. As such,these finds are even more exceptional than previously assumed, being some of the earliest dis-covered for this culture. The isotope analyses indicate that these individuals are local to the region,with the dietary stable isotopes indicating a C3terrestrial diet for the Trypillia-period humansanalysed. The Scythian period individual has δ13C ratios indicative of either c. 50% marine, or alter-natively C4plant inputs into the diet, despite δ18O and 87Sr/86Sr ratios that are comparable to the otherindividuals studied.

Subject headings

HUMANIORA  -- Historia och arkeologi -- Arkeologi (hsv//swe)

HUMANITIES  -- History and Archaeology -- Archaeology (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Trypillia farming culture

AMS dating

radiogenic isotopes

stable isotopes

diet

Archaeology

arkeologi

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)