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The site of Pella, located in the foothills of the east Jordan valley, was a prosperous city–state throughout the Middle Bronze Age (MBA, ca. 2000–1500 BCE). As part of a widespread trading network, Pella enjoyed extensive socio‐economic relationships with Egypt, Cyprus, and the Aegean, Anatolia, and Babylonia during this period. We report isotopic analysis (87Sr/86Sr, δ18O, and δ13C) from enamel of 22 human permanent second molars of which 13 second lower molars were used for an additional biodistance analysis based on ASUDAS. The multidisciplinary approach investigates the ancestral background of MBA Pella and the degree of temporary or more permanent relocation from other settlements. Ancillary to carbonate isotope analysis for migration investigation, dietary information in the form of δ13Ccarbonate was also collected. δ13Ccarbonate values (mean −12.3‰ ± 0.4 SD) suggest a uniform diet reliant on C3 cereals and legumes as crops and animal fodder, adhering to expected Bronze Age Levantine dietary norms. Two methods are used to identify non‐locals. Using a biospheric baseline, three individuals with non‐local 87Sr/86Sr ratios are identified. Bagplot analysis of both 87Sr/86Sr and δ18O data suggests that three individuals (14%) grew up elsewhere; two individuals who were already identified as 87Sr/86Sr outliers using biospheric data and one more with outlying δ18O values. All individuals identified as non‐locals, using either method, are from one tomb, Tomb 62. The dental nonmetric traits indicated diverse morphology and subsequent ancestry for Tomb 62 (11/13), whereas primary burials (2/13) clustered together. The commingled condition of Tomb 62 material prevented a more exhaustive biodistance analysis, but the tentative results coincide with interpretations of the tomb. Significant movements of populations throughout the Middle Bronze Age are evidenced through funerary rituals and architecture, and this study demonstrates that Pella, thought to be peripheral, nonetheless had some permanent movement evidenced through isotopes and ancestry analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Excavations at Sidon (Lebanon) have revealed dual identities during the Middle Bronze Age (ca. 2000–1600 BCE): a maritime port and center for local distribution, as well as a settlement with a heavy subsistence dependence on the extensive inland hinterlands. We aim to investigate residential mobility at Sidon using isotopic analyses of 112 individuals from 83 burials (20 females, 26 males, and 37 subadults). Veneration and remembrance of the dead is evident from funerary offerings in and near the tombs. With marine fish a major component in funerary offerings, we predict major marine reliance in this coastal population. Materials and methods: New isotopic evidence of paleomobility (87Sr/86Sr, δ18O) and diet (δ13Ccarbonate) is the focus of this research. Previous bulk bone collagen δ13C and δ15N analysis is strengthened by further sampling, along with δ34S where collagen yield was sufficient. Results: The five non‐locals identified (8.9% of the 56 analyzed) come from constructed tombs with high‐status grave goods except for one, which was heavily disturbed in antiquity. Dietary investigation of the population confirms reliance on terrestrial resources with no significant marine input. No significant differences in diet between the sexes or burial types are present. Conclusions: Although Sidon was part of a growing Mediterranean network evidenced through artefactual finds, relatively low immigration is evident. While religious feasts venerating the dead may have involved significant piscine components, no appreciable marine input in diet is observed. Fish may have been reserved for the deceased or only consumed on feast days alongside the dead rather than a regular part of the Bronze Age menu. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Found throughout the ancient Near East during the Middle Bronze Age (ca. 2000–1600 BCE), many modern scholars emphasize that weapon‐associated burials are ideological and symbolic associations, not reflections of occupation. However, the term "warrior burial" still carries interpretive value that misinforms popular perception. The site of Sidon (Lebanon) offers an excellent context to discuss this phenomenon. Our paper aims to assess whether there are any commonalities or trends that set the Sidonian weapon‐associated burials (n = 6) apart from the rest of the assemblage (n = 62) beyond funerary practice and to explore any patterns regarding occupation and/or elite lifestyle. Materials and methods: The six skeletons, presumed to be males with funerary practices, associated with high social status and cultural values awarded to the warrior elite, were examined using bioarchaeological methods (paleopathology, activity lesions, stable isotopes and non‐metric dental traits). Results: Weapon‐associated burials shared similar pathological condition prevalence to the "non‐warriors." Further, noweapons‐associated burials display common skeletal evidence of interpersonal violence. Additionally, they do not present specific entheseal changes suggestive of frequent weaponry use. δ13C and δ15N analysis of bone collagen found that all weapon‐associated burials except Burial 12 consumed a diet similar to the wider assemblage. Finally, the different avenues of statistical analysis using dental nonmetric traits indicate that the weapon‐associated burials were not from ancestry groups different from the rest of the Sidon population. Discussion Therefore, we conclude that associating those individuals with copper alloy weaponry is a funerary gesture reflecting more their social and/or cultural status than their occupation and lived experience. We suggest care when using the term "warrior burial" with these types of funerary practices, as it may conflate incorrect interpretation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dental non-metric traits have become widely used to estimate biological affinities, particularly by utilizing the Arizona State University Dental Anthropology System (ASUDAS). Here, we offer information from the Middle Bronze Age site of Avaris, located near modern Tell el-Dab'a in the Egyptian Nile Delta, that was ruled by the Hyksos kings during the Second Intermediate Period (circa 1640-1530 BCE). Dental non-metric traits were recorded from a sample of individuals (n=90) and analyzed using mean measure of divergence (MMD). Both intra- and inter-site analyses were conducted. The former compared the ancestry between locals and non-locals, defined isotopically by a recent study. The latter compared Avaris to other Egyptian sites to gauge its population distinctiveness. Results indicated that individuals defined as locals and non-locals were not ancestrally different from one another. There was, however, a significant difference (p<0.01) between the pooled locals and non-locals of Avaris and other Egyptian sites, regardless of spatial and/or temporal proximity. The results are in line with the archaeological evidence, suggesting Avaris was an important hub in the Middle Bronze Age eastern Mediterranean trade network, welcoming people from beyond its borders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]