“From the Boy Comes the Man” Exploring Dietary Variability in Distinct Burial Contexts at the Archaic Phaleron Burial Ground

Abstract

The numerous adult inhumations at the Archaic period (c. seventh to fifth centuries B.C.) burial ground of Phaleron exhibit a wide range of burial treatments. These likely reflect not only the identities of the deceased but also the intentions and social perceptions of the mourners. While most burials follow normative patterns, a minority are interred in nonnormative, distinctive ways. These include individuals buried prone or with restraints, suggesting marginal or contested social identities formed later in life. To examine whether atypical burials reflect early life experiences or later social stigmatization, we conducted serial dentine stable isotope analysis of early diets in 18 adults across various burial types. These individuals represent 6 males, 10 females, and 2 of ambiguous sex. Nine were recovered from distinctive burial contexts. Breastfeeding duration could be estimated for six individuals, all of whom were weaned by 3 years of age, which is consistent with relevant textual sources. Data from the remaining individuals provide a contrasting picture of dietary variation throughout early childhood. Statistically significant differences in stable isotope values between normative burials, individuals buried in prone positions, or with restraints suggest that the marginal sociopolitical status implied by these burial forms may have roots earlier in the life course, rather than solely a result of later life nonconformity or punishment.