Stable Isotope Analysis and Maya Diet at La Milpa, Belize
 

Stable isotope analyses of human skeletal remains from La Milpa in northwestern Belize are used to address questions regarding geographic, chronological, and social differences in Maya diets. Carbon isotope ratios in bone collagen, bone apatite, and tooth enamel, and nitrogen isotope ratios in collagen are used to estimate the relative contributions of C3 and C4 plants, terrestrial animals, and freshwater food resources. While our initial results confirm the importance of maize, they also indicate substantial variation in its consumption by elite and non-elite residents of La Milpa. Possible explanations for this variation will be explored.