The Islamic necropolis of Tauste (Zaragoza, Spain)

Project proposal: DNA analysis, radiocarbon dating and paleodiet study

Summary

Archaeological excavations carried out in the Spanish town of Tauste (Zaragoza) between 2010 and 2013, and promoted by the Cultural Association ‘El Patiaz’, have exposed a medieval necropolis characterized by a Muslim burial ritual (maqbara).

This project proposes a three-line investigation — by independent studies of DNA, paleo diet and radiocarbon analysis to ratify the results that place the necropolis between the 8th and 11th centuries — in order to focus the investigation of this Islamic cemetery from a multidisciplinary approach.

Key words: Archaeology, anthropology, DNA analysis, paleo diet, radiocarbon.

1. Introduction

Located in the north of the province of Zaragoza, Tauste is one of the Five Historical Villas of Aragon. Until recently, very little was known about its Islamic past. The presence of a Muslim population in the city was considered merely anecdotal.

Studies on the origin of the tower of St. Mary in Tauste considering it a minaret of the 11th century and associating it to the existence of an Islamic population capable of undertaking this huge work led to the Cultural Association «El Patiaz» of Tauste to initiate investigations to find vestiges of these people.

The result was the discovery of a large Islamic cemetery, estimated to number about 4,500 burials. The cemetery also has at least two levels. Using carbon-14 dating, it has been determined that this is one of the oldest necropolis of Spain, with evidence of a tomb in the mid-eighth century; it is the oldest dated Islamic tomb of Aragon.

2. Fundaments of the research

So far, the Cultural Association “El Patiaz” of Tauste has organised four excavation campaigns, the last held in summer 2013, which included a field of work with the participation of university students.

The work of volunteers has been fundamental in the development of this project, because the only economic resources for this research have been the contributions of civil society of Tauste.

3. Project team

To set about this task, PhD in Biology Lara Fontecha (human genetics, DNA in ancient remains and biomedicine), anthropologist Miriam Pina (director of anthropological laboratory) and archaeologist Francisco Javier Gutierrez (coordinator of the excavation) formed a research group.

4. Project scope

This project proposes a three-line multidisciplinary research by DNA-analysis, paleodiet study and radiocarbon dating.

First research: DNA analysis

The project in the context of international research

Ancient DNA analysis has had a recent development, limited by its methodological complexity and its high cost, especially in anthropology.

The aim is to determine whether the cultural influence of the Islamic world in the necropolis has a biological correspondence.

Objectives

• Recover ancient DNA from skeletal remains
• Study mitochondrial DNA variability
• Determine molecular sex
• Analyse Y-chromosome SNPs
• Replicate results in an independent laboratory

Timeline

Sample selection, DNA extraction, quantification, analysis, replication and interpretation over a two-year period.

Budget

Estimated cost: 20,000 €.

Second research: Paleodiet study

Objectives

To reconstruct dietary habits through isotopic and trace element analysis.

Methodology

• ICP-MS analysis
• Stable isotope analysis (δ13C, δ15N)
• Trace elements (Ba, Sr, Zn, Cu)
• FTIR for diagenetic alteration

Working period and budget

Estimated duration: 12 months.
Estimated cost: 2,325.50 €.

Third research: Radiocarbon dating

Objectives

To ratify and refine the chronological framework of the necropolis.

Scope

Radiocarbon dating of samples from different excavation campaigns to compare results.

Working period and budget

Estimated duration: 6–12 months.
Estimated cost: 2,800 €.

Target outcomes and dissemination of results

The project aims to advance methodological approaches in archaeogenetics and contribute to the understanding of population history and Islamic presence in medieval Aragon.

Download this project proposal report

The Islamic necropolis of Tauste (PDF)

Links

• Academic world (archaeology and anthropology)
• Press, radio and television
• Cultural dissemination