Stable isotopic evidence for marine-influenced animal husbandry at a Han Dynasty coastal cemetery, southern Liaodong

This study investigates cultural integration at the coastal Shagangzi cemetery (c. 2298–1996 BP) on the Han Dynasty frontier. Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analyses of 41 faunal remains indicate that wild herbivores (deer) consumed C₃ plants. Domestic pigs (all juveniles) and chickens displayed mixed C₃/C₄ diets with elevated δ¹⁵N values. The interpretation of high δ¹⁵N in piglets is complicated by the potential overlap between suckling and marine resource consumption signals. However, the distinct isotopic profile shared by pigs and chickens, combined with the abundant local marine evidence, supports a managed intake of marine resources. This reflects a pig husbandry strategy that adapted Central Plains penning traditions to the coastal environment. The findings reveal a planned subsistence economy where livestock management strategically incorporated marine inputs, demonstrating how frontier communities actively synthesized external models with local conditions to forge unique identities.