Back in time, over 4,000 years ago, the people of the Mediterranean knew what was beneficial for their health. A recent study discovered that ancient Syrians followed a diet that closely resembled what we now recognize as the Mediterranean diet – a diet known for its numerous health advantages. According to University of Leuven archeological chemist Benjamin Fuller, the phrase “you are what you eat” holds true in this case. The utilization of stable isotope ratio analysis enabled the researchers to determine the specific food groups that were consumed by the ancient Syrians.
The Settlement History of Tell Tweini
The researchers analyzed extensive datasets of archeological isotope measurements to investigate the settlement history of Tell Tweini in Syria. This site served as a significant harbor for the Ugaritic Kingdom during the Bronze and Iron Ages. The dataset included isotope measurements from various sources such as plant seeds, human and animal bones, dating back from 2600 to 333 BCE. The findings indicated that the diet of the people at Tell Tweini mainly consisted of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, with a notable abundance of olives and grapes. The diet was relatively low in animal protein, resembling what we now identify as the Mediterranean diet – encompassing bread, olives, grapes, pulses, dairy products, and limited amounts of meat.
Despite the proximity of Tell Tweini to the coast, the ancient Syrians did not heavily rely on seafood as a part of their diet. Instead, they focused on crops and domesticated animals for sustenance. The high levels of carbon 13 isotopes in the preserved seeds indicated the meticulous care and irrigation of the crops throughout the settlement’s history. The use of animal manure was likely a contributing factor to the nitrogen 15 isotopes found in the plants. The residents of Tell Tweini’s ability to produce ample food from their crops suggests fertile land and successful olive oil production, which became a pivotal economic activity during the Iron Age.
Following the collapse of Ugarit around 1200 BCE due to issues such as crop failure, social unrest, and famine, signs of olive oil production reemerged at Tell Tweini. Interestingly, the plant isotopes showed no signs of stress, indicating that the inhabitants managed the increased aridity well, potentially even better than other contemporaneous settlements in the region. The study suggests that the Mediterranean-like diet adopted by the ancient Syrians played a crucial role in sustaining their population through challenging times.
The ancient Mediterranean diet proved to be a sustainable and nutritious choice for the residents of Tell Tweini, contributing to their overall wellbeing and resilience in the face of environmental challenges. While the diet closely resembles the modern Mediterranean diet, it is worth noting that the ancient Syrians were able to thrive in a fertile environment with stable climatic conditions, factors that significantly influenced the success of their dietary habits over millennia. The research sheds light on the timeless tradition of the Mediterranean diet and its impact on human health and sustainability.
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