Migration and mobility in the latest Neolithic of the Traisen Valley, Lower Austria: Sr isotope analysis

Abstract

In the last forty years, continuing rescue excavations in the Lower Traisen valley (Unteres Traisental) in Lower Austria have identified about 180 burials dating to the final Neolithic (2600-2200 BC). They belong to the Corded Ware culture and Late Bell Beaker culture. Enamel from permanent teeth of a total of 49 individuals originating from Subsites I, II and III of the Franzhausen (FH) excavation area were analysed with respect to their strontium isotopic composition. The aim was to identify locals and nonlocals and to contribute to questions of mobility and migration. We applied a validated routine procedure for Sr isotope ratio measurements using solutionbased multiple collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS). In addition, recent soil samples from the Franzhausen area were extracted by ammonium nitrate solutions in order to delimit the local isotope signal of bioavailable Sr in the region. 87 Sr/ 86 Sr ratios in the enamel revealed that about 88 % of the investigated individuals are autochthonous. These data were subjected to a further detailed evaluation with respect to the individuals' age at death and sex, as well as to a possible spatial differentiation (FH I, II and III) and cultural affiliation. Sr isotope ratio data show no pattern regarding age at death. Higher mobility was found for male individuals compared to that for females. Results evaluated according to chronological and spatial subgroups imply differences in mobility. Distinct groups of representatives of the Corded Ware culture in the subsites were identified as nonlocals, whereas all of the investigated individuals assigned to the Late Bell Beaker culture were locals.