Rethinking strontium variability beyond mobility: Strontium isotope and concentration analysis of cremated remains from Tienen (Gallo-Roman Belgium, 1-4th c.AD)

Strontium isotope analysis (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr) is a common tool for the study of mobility in archaeological populations, and has often been used in Roman contexts, to deliver more information on the mobility of the inhabitants of the Roman Empire. However, the practice of cremation within the empire and the methodological bias towards inhumation long pushed aside the study of populations who practiced cremation. Additionally, it is becoming more and more apparent that additional factors can have an influence on ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr values, besides mobility, which calls for a careful reassessment of the results. This study looks at the population dynamics in the Gallo-Roman vicus of Tienen, through strontium isotope (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr) and concentration ([Sr]) analyzes of a total of 147 cremated remains. While [Sr] values point to a general consumption of salt throughout the occupation of the vicus of Tienen, ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr results point to limited mobility, changes in land use, and/or importations for food as an explanation for values. This study contributes to a growing field of research on mobility studies on cremations within a Roman cultural context.