X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy was used to analyze elemental profiles in human remains isolated from several necropolises at the site of the ancient Roman city of Pollentia in Alcúdia, Mallorca, Spain. XRF analysis revealed lead content in the skeletons, as well as barium, strontium, and zinc levels, which serve as possible indicators for health, diet, and socioeconomic status. High lead levels were found in remains from the Roman era and, unexpectedly, in remains from the Islamic era. The relatively high zinc-to-calcium and barium-to-calcium ratios for radiocarbon dated remains exhumed from several necropolis dated from the Roman to the Islamic eras may indicate high protein content in a largely herbivorous diet.

Elemental analysis of human remains from necropolises at the Pollentia Archaeological site

ACS Spring Meeting 2021

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