By measuring the isotopes of carbon and nitrogen in the bone amino acids, researchers were able to reconstruct the diets of people who lived contemporaneously in much more detail than was previously thought possible. “We found significant differences in the proportions of marine and terrestrial foods consumed between males and females, implying that access to food was differentiated according to gender.” Males were more likely to be directly engaged in fishing and maritime activities, they generally occupied more privileged positions in society, and were freed from slavery at an earlier age providing greater access to expensive commodities, such as fresh fish.

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