Thanks to pig remains, scientists uncover extensive human mobility to sites near Stonehenge

EurekAlert! ^ | March 13, 2019 | Richard Madgwick, Cardiff University

[SunkenCiv]

A mutli-isotope analysis of pigs remains found around henge complexes near Stonehenge has revealed the large extent and scale of movements of human communities in Britain during the Late Neolithic. The findings... provide insight into more than a century of debate surrounding the origins of people and animals in the Stonehenge landscape. Neolithic henge complexes, located in southern Britain, have long been studied for their role as ceremonial centers. Feasts that were unprecedented at the time were held at these locations. Experts have theorized that these events brought in many people beyond the surrounding area of the henge sites, but little is known about the scale and extent of movement surrounding these feasts. Pigs were the main delicacy at these events. Here, taking advantage of how isotope analyses can provide insight into pig origins and thus serve as a good proxy for human movement, Richard Madgwick and colleagues undertook a multi-isotope approach on 131 pig remains from four Late Neolithic henge complex sites in central southern England. The authors incorporated origin data relating to geology (strontium, 87Sr/86Sr), climate (oxygen, d18O), and coastal proximity (sulfur, d34S), while taking into account the impact of diet on these values (d13C and d15N). The isotope values were wide-ranging, particularly in the three isotopes most applicable to mobility - 87Sr/86Sr, d34S and d18O. The 87Sr/86Sr values cover all the biospheres of Britain. The 45 pig samples studied showed evidence of marine influence in their d34S values, which the authors say is notable considering these henge sites are more than 50 kilometers from the closest coast. The d13C data also showed a large range, indicating that the animals were raised in diverse landscapes. Madgwick et al. say that their results are strongly indicative of extensive movement of people and their pigs during this period.

[SunkenCiv]

Weighing collagen from Neolithic pigs for isotope analysis. [Credit: Cardiff University]

[SunkenCiv]

In before the Seinfeld "pig man" jokes.

[bert]

over studied with results that don’t matter

[CharleysPride]

Amazing!

The little pigs came from all over, reminds me of the two French pigs in ‘Lonesome Dove’

Stonehenge and other ceremonial centers must have created so much traffic and mobility as the people flocked to these destinations with animals in tow.

It makes you wonder if people at the time were actually more well traveled than their ancestors in later, more dangerous times.

Thanks for the Post!

[tsomer]

So I guess this would rule out any of the lost tribes of Israel as candidates for designation as original inhabitants.

[SunkenCiv]

The place only makes sense as the site of a giant, centuries-long pig roast, basically a neolithic turnpike restaurant. "Alright, you've stuffed yourself with our roasted pork, now we need a bunch of you to put the latest lintel in place..."

[wildbill]

PIGS CAN be herded and if you are going a long way from your home, and need to feed a host of people, then pigs would be your portable food of choice.

[SunkenCiv]

:^) Sounds delicious. :^)

[SunkenCiv]

from earlier in the year.