Reconstructing the Paleodiet of the Punic inhabitants at the site of Kerkouane (Tunisia)

Abstract

Abstract: The proposed project intends to investigate the dietary system of the Punic population at Kerkouane, Tunisia. The cutting-edge approach of stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes analysis of human bones will allow us to assess the subsistence pattern of the past population. Subjected samples are obtained from the burials found at the necropolis of Arg El-Ghazouani; as the site is situated in the Northeast, the coastal rim of Tunisia will tend to show the consumption of mosaic of food resources of marine and terrestrial origin. It will be crucial to understand the dietary preferences of local habitats among these resources. Combining proxy data (δ13C and δ15N) will throw light on the answers to the abovementioned questions. The δ13C and δ15N stable isotopes reported in this study for humans remain (=25) from the necropolis of Arg El-Ghazouani. The results suggest that the diet of the individuals of Arg El-Ghazouani was based on C3 terrestrial plants, with no significant indication of C4 plants consumption. In addition, to a variety of domestic animals like sheep, goats, and cattle. Although the δ15N indicates a higher variability among the N values, it is still impossible to display a high consumption. It could be a contribution of marine resources in the individual's Arg El- Ghazouani. However, there were no significant diet differences among Arg El-Ghazouani concerning age, sex, and funerary features. The isotopic data of Kerkouane compared to the ancient roman site of Leptiminus, located on the Mediterranean coast of Lamta town, Tunisia. In this thesis study, there was a significant dietary difference observed in the inhabitants of Tunisia during the past time.