Publication details
The rise of coastal Middle Bronze Age Levant – A multidisciplinary approach for investigating in Sidon, Lebanon
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2023 |
| Type | Article in Periodical |
| Magazine / Source | American Journal of Biological Anthropology |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Web | URL |
| Doi | http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ajpa.24831 |
| Keywords | Dental Nonmetric Traits; Mobility; Dietary Habits; Biodistance Analysis; ASUDAS; Gower; Mediterranean; Western Asia |
| Attached files | |
| Description | Objectives The Levantine Middle Bronze Age (MBA, circa 2000–1500?BCE) marks a period of increased trade and regional interaction, spurred on by technological developments. In light of previous research exhibiting limited mobility in Sidon, further investigation was conducted using biodistance analysis to understand local population history and site development. Materials and Methods Dental nonmetric traits, a proxy for genetic information, were explored using ASUDAS on a sub-sample of primary inhumations (n?=?35). The biodistance matrix was generated using Gower distance measures, and further tested using PERMDISP, PERMANOVA, Mantel test and hierarchical cluster analysis. The data was also contrasted to 87Sr/86Sr and ?18O as well as ?13C and ?15N values. Results There were no significant diachronic differences in isotopes values, and there was biological continuity (n?=?35, Mantel test r?=?0.11, p?=?0.02, comparing local phases and biodistance). The analysis also suggested of a sub-group of individuals with biological proximity shared a more limited range of mobility and dietary habits. Conclusions The isotopes (87Sr/86Sr, ?18O, ?13C, ?15N) and biodistance analysis conducted on the Sidon College site skeletal assemblage exhibits stability and continuity of the people, despite the site's increasing role in the maritime network. This continuity may have been a key factor in Sidon's success, allowing it to accumulate wealth and resources for centuries to come. |