From plates to bones? An inquiry into ancient lead intake and the applicability of the lead isotope system for tracing ancient human mobility

Strontium and oxygen isotope analysis on archaeological human remains provide direct evidence for mobility. The overlap in Sr-O ratios between geographically different locations, however, complicates the identification of specific regions of origins. Adding the lead isotope system may provide a more accurate indication of the region of origin. The source of lead found in human remains, i.e., geological through food intake, or anthropogenic through contamination from leaded vessels, has not been subject to investigation. This proposal aims to identify the primary source of lead intake in Roman individuals and subsequent assesses the applicability of lead isotopes for tracing human mobility