An extensive dataset of human enamel Sr-O-C isotope data from the post-Roman Netherlands (400 – 700 CE)

The transition from the Roman period to the Early Middle Ages in the Netherlands was a very dynamic period, particularly in demographic terms. From the Late Roman period onwards (270 CE), habitation declined sharply by as much as 78-85% in the Rhine-Meuse delta for instance. The period following the Roman era was indicated by the traditional name Migration Period (Völkerverwanderungszeit), as it was once widely believed that large-scale migrations were one of the most notable features of this period. Within the framework of the ‘Kennis voor Archeologie’ [knowledge for archaeology] research programme, commissioned by the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands, combined Sr-O-C isotope studies were conducted on 120 individuals dating from late 4th to 7th century CE with the aim to gain a better understanding of the mechanisms behind the early Medieval repopulation of the Netherlands. When possible, the first, second and third molar of each individual were analysed with the aim of reconstructing individual life histories for the first approximately 16 years of life. In total, the dataset consists of 245 data points, providing a fundamental first-ever insight into early Medieval palaeomobility patterns in the Netherlands in a more quantitative way.