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1986•Oxford Journal of ArchaeologyRequires access

IDENTIFICATION OF LEAD SOURCES BY STABLE ISOTOPE RATIOS IN BONES AND LEAD FROM POUNDBURY CAMP, DORSET

Theya Molleson, Daniel L. Eldridge, N. H. Gale

Open publisher page 19 citations

Abstract

Summary. Skeletal material from the Romano‐British cemetery at Poundbury Camp on the outskirts of Dorchester is remarkable for the high concentration of lead detected in the bones. In an attempt to discover whether this lead was local in origin or had been introduced in imported commodities lead isotope ratios were determined for a selection of bones. The isotope ratios indicated at least two sources for the lead. Three of the individuals tested appear to have acquired lead derived from local, British, ores while the bone from the fourth individual, a child, had a lead isotope ratio identical to ore from Laurion in Greece. The isotope ratios are so close as to indicate immigration of the child rather than importation of lead in food or wine.

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Summary. Skeletal material from the Romano‐British cemetery at Poundbury Camp on the outskirts of Dorchester is remarkable for the high concentration of lead detected in the bones. In an attempt to discover whether this lead was local in origin or had been introduced in imported commodities lead isotope ratios were determined for a selection of bones. The isotope ratios indicated at least two sources for the lead. Three of the individuals tested appear to have acquired lead derived from local, British, ores while the bone from the fourth individual, a child, had a lead isotope ratio identical to ore from Laurion in Greece. The isotope ratios are so close as to indicate immigration of the child rather than importation of lead in food or wine.

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Available abstract

Summary. Skeletal material from the Romano‐British cemetery at Poundbury Camp on the outskirts of Dorchester is remarkable for the high concentration of lead detected in the bones. In an attempt to discover whether this lead was local in origin or had been introduced in imported commodities lead isotope ratios were determined for a selection of bones. The isotope ratios indicated at least two sources for the lead. Three of the individuals tested appear to have acquired lead derived from local, British, ores while the bone from the fourth individual, a child, had a lead isotope ratio identical to ore from Laurion in Greece. The isotope ratios are so close as to indicate immigration of the child rather than importation of lead in food or wine.

Key concepts: Lead (geology), Isotope, Wine, Archaeology, Lead poisoning, Isotope analysis, Stable isotope ratio, Geology

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IDENTIFICATION OF LEAD SOURCES BY STABLE ISOTOPE RATIOS IN BONES AND LEAD FROM POUNDBURY CAMP, DORSET — Research Paper | ScholarLens