Change in diet or visibility problem? Observations on the marine isotopic values of early medieval populations in coastal Croatia

The zooarchaeological analysis conducted at the archaeological site of Dinka Dokule in the city of Rab (Croatia) outlined an overall picture of animal exploitation during the early medieval phase of occupation of this building (6th-8th century AD). This includes both the main domestic species and the fish resources. The reconstruction of the complex animal butchery process, combined with stable isotope analyses (δ13C and δ15N) on both fauna and human remains from contemporary burials, has enhanced the understanding of the consumption of plant and, above all, animal products. Comparison with other Croatian sites reveals similar dietary patterns with some changes from the Roman to the Early Medieval period. Despite the presence of various species of marine fish among the meal remains stable isotope analyses have not indicated significant consumption of marine re-sources.