Did ancient people practice equality? While stereotypes may suggest otherwise, the remains of one Neolithic society reveal evidence that both men and women, as well as locals and foreigners, were all equal in at least a critical aspect of life: what they ate.
The Neolithic era marked the beginning of agriculture and animal husbandry around 6,000 years ago. In what is now Valais, Switzerland, researchers led by Déborah Rosselet-Christ of the University of Geneva (UNIGE) found that dietary equality was prevalent among the people buried in the Barmaz necropolis. By analyzing isotopes in the bones and teeth of adults at the site, it was discovered that men, women, and immigrants all seemed to have similar dietary inputs.
To determine the dietary habits of these individuals, Rosselet-Christ and her team examined various isotopes in the bones and teeth. By analyzing strontium isotopes in tooth enamel, researchers were able to distinguish between locals and foreigners based on the environment in which their food originated. Additionally, isotopes of carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur provided insights into the types of food consumed by the individuals during their last years.
The Barmaz necropolis, situated near the Rhone River valley in the Swiss Alps, was a region characterized by deciduous forests that were eventually replaced by villages and farmland. Most of the individuals buried at the site were believed to be locals, with few showing evidence of having moved to the area later in life. The diet of the Barmaz people consisted mainly of animal protein, with some plant products like peas and barley. Analysis of isotopes from bones revealed that young goats and pigs were the primary sources of animal protein, indicating a preference for high-quality meat over quantity.
One of the most remarkable findings was that both men and women at Barmaz consumed equal amounts of the same foods. The isotopic values in their bones were consistent, regardless of gender or local versus foreign status. This suggests a level of equality in dietary practices that was uncommon in Neolithic societies.
In addition to dietary equality, other aspects of life at Barmaz demonstrated egalitarian principles. The burial practices were similar for all individuals, using mostly the same materials irrespective of sex or origin. This evidence challenges conventional notions of Neolithic societies as hierarchical and unequal, painting a picture of a community with egalitarian values.
The discovery of dietary equality at Barmaz offers a glimpse into the lives of our ancestors and challenges preconceived notions about ancient societies. It suggests that notions of fairness and equal opportunity may have been more prevalent in the past than previously thought, highlighting the potential for greater social complexity and cooperation among early human populations.
