Isotopic Evidence of Diet and Mobility From the Megalithic Burials of the Rego da Murta Dolmens (Portugal)

This study uses stable and radiogenic isotopic data from Chalcolithic ( c. 3000–1900 bc ) humans and animals recovered from the Rego da Murta dolmens (Alvaiázere, Portugal) to understand dietary and mobility patterns in the populations using these monuments. The results suggest diets based primarily on C 3 plants and terrestrial animals, with some possible variation in protein intake by age or status. Analyses of 87 Sr/ 86 Sr values identify two individuals out of ten from Rego da Murta I and four individuals out of fifteen from Rego da Murta II as migrants. These data were compared to other Chalcolithic burials in south-western Portugal: while diets were found to be similar across the region, the very high 87 Sr/ 86 Sr values recorded for two migrant humans match no known settlement in the broader region. A recent mapping study of 87 Sr/ 86 Sr values in Portugal suggests their origins may lie to the north/north-east of the dolmens.