The isotopic study of various bones and teeth can tell a story of an individual’s experiences, pinpointing events to specific periods within their lifetime. Certain bones can provide information on date and location of birth and death, as well as migration and dietary preferences through life. When analyzed on a societal level, cultural and economic change of past civilizations can be investigated. In this webinar, a series of dating techniques (14C, U-Th) and stable isotopic (Sr, O, C, Pb, CaPO4) analysis will be discussed with a focus on applications depending on the sample selection within the archaeological record.

The agenda will cover:

Introduction to isotopes
Dating bone samples: Radiocarbon and U-Th methods
Isotopes in archaeology (oxygen, carbon, nitrogen, strontium, and lead)
Case studies: establish provenance, mobility, environmental context and dietary reconstruction
Sample preparation and submission

Miami-based Beta Analytic is an ISO 17025-accredited radiocarbon dating and stable isotope laboratory. Subsidiary Isobar Science provides uranium-thorium dating, strontium analysis and geochemical fingerprinting services, among others. The company specializes in isotope ratios using wet chemistry and MC-ICP-MS.