New insights into the diet and economy of the central and northern Transjordan during the Iron Age: Zooarchaeology and stable isotopes analysis of recent excavations (Amman Citadel, Tell Zira’a, Tell Bleibil, and Tell Ushayer)

Abstract

We investigate the diet and economy of the central and northern Transjordan during the Iron Age (c. 1,200 – 332 BCE). We present four new datasets from recent excavations providing results from zooarchaeology and stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis on animal remains: Amman Citadel, Tell Zira’a, Tell Bleibil, and Tell Ushayer. This research shows a generalised pattern of a mixed agro-pastoral economy focussed on keeping sheep, goats, and cattle. The domestic ungulates were mostly consuming C 3 -plants in an arid environment. Stable isotope analysis suggests different ovicaprids management practices between a capital, the Amman Citadel, and smaller settlements such as Tell Bleibil and Tell Ushayer. The latter two show signs of ovicaprids possibly grazing in different environments. Hunting played a minimal role in these societies. When comparing our datasets to the limited published material available, we see similar ways of utilising animals in diet and economy.