Abila of the Decapolis in Northern Jordan During the Early Byzantine Period: A Strontium Isotope Insight

ABSTRACT The beginning of the Byzantine period at Abila of Decapolis in northern Jordan was marked by a significant increase in population compared to the preceding Roman period. This increase was examined through the lens of inward migration, which was subsequently investigated via the utilization of strontium isotope analysis on 15 dental enamel samples collected from 15 individuals recovered from three Early Byzantine tombs at Abila. The results show that eight individuals have 87 Sr/ 86 Sr ratios within the range of the microbioavailable ratio of Abila, while six individuals have 87 Sr/ 86 Sr ratios similar to the bioavailable ratios of Abila's vicinity, and one individual most likely from the Golan Heights, thus supporting the assumption of inward migration. However, given the relatively small number of human ( n = 15) and environmental ( n = 8) samples analyzed, this should be considered a preliminary pilot study and needs to be expanded in the future.