Stable Isotope and Trace Element Studies on Gladiators and Contemporary Romans from Ephesus (Turkey, 2nd and 3rd Ct. AD) - Implications for Differences in Diet

A comparative analysis of gladiators and contemporary Romans from Ephesus (2nd–3rd century AD) reveals distinct dietary patterns, with gladiators exhibiting significantly higher strontium-to-calcium ratios—a marker suggesting frequent consumption of a plant ash beverage, as documented in ancient texts. Stable isotope analysis of 53 individuals, including 22 gladiators, indicates that while both groups primarily consumed C3 plants like wheat and barley, a few showed signs of C4 plant intake. Notably, two outliers—one female from the gladiator cemetery and one gladiator—displayed isotopic signatures (δ13C and δ34S) suggestive of migration or distinct dietary sources. Low nitrogen isotope values across the sample may reflect legume consumption, a feature uncommon in other Roman-era populations.

Lösch, S., Moghaddam, N., Grossschmidt, K., Risser, D. U., & Kanz, F. (2014). Stable Isotope and Trace Element Studies on Gladiators and Contemporary Romans from Ephesus (Turkey, 2nd and 3rd Ct. AD) - Implications for Differences in Diet. PLoS ONE, 9(10), e110489. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0110489