Foodways of the Roman army at the Danube Limes: Zooarchaeological evidence from Diana-Karataš (Serbia)

This paper presents a zooarchaeological analysis of animal remains from the Roman fort of Diana–Karataš, located at the exit of the Danube Gorges – a uniqe geomorphological zone in the central Balkan’s part of the Danube limes. Over 10,000 faunal specimens were analysed, with the aim of reconstructing patterns of diet and supply of animals to the military communities stationed here from the late 1st to the late 6th century CE. The faunal material was devided into four chronological phases, based on large socio-political transitions: early Roman, Roman, late Roman, and early Byzantine. The results indicate that domestic mammals (cattle, pig, sheep/goat) dominate throughout the investigated period, but with significant changes in their relative abundance over time. The representation of skeletal elements, and biometric data indicate that most of the livestock were slaughtered onsite, and was probably raised locally, with a limited role of long–distance supply. The results also indicate a significant increase in the relative share of wild mammals and fish from the 4th century onwards, suggesting higher reliance on hunting and fishing as a regular source of everyday diet.