Reconstruction of the diet in a mediaeval monastic community from the coast of Belgium

Stable isotope analysis was applied to a Belgian coastal population from the Late Middle Ages: the monastic community of the Dunes abbey in Koksijde (12-15th century). Carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios were measured in bone collagen from 19 humans (11 adults and eight children) and 10 animals. Results show that diets were largely based on terrestrial foods, but marine resources also formed a source of protein. Results also suggest differences in human diets that may be related to social status