Abstract: This study presents the stable isotopic measurements on 18 prehistoric human bones excavated from the Tanshishan site (5000-4300 cal. BP), of which 17 samples were valid. The values of δ13C and δ15N of these valid samples vary between -20.91‰ and -16.49‰, and 8.53‰ and 14.42‰, respectively. The results indicate that most people from Tanshishan were in a high level of the food chain with diets mainly composed of terrestrial C3 foods, herbivores and significant amounts of aquatic resources. Further analysis suggests that there is no obvious relationship between diets and social structure. According to the one way ANOVA statistical analysis, juveniles in Tanshishan were more likely to consume food resources of higher δ15N values than adults. There were no differences between the sexes in dietary patterns. As a maritime settlement, the subsistence economies at Tanshishan are recognized as hunting-fishing-foraging and the rice-based agriculture might have only played a minor role.

Key words: Tanshishan; Diet; Stable Isotope; Neolithic diet; Maritime settlement