The ancient Syrians living in the Mediterranean region approximately 4,000 years ago had a diet that closely resembled what we now know as the Mediterranean diet. Through the use of stable isotope ratio analysis, researchers were able to determine the food groups consumed by the inhabitants of Tell Tweini in Syria. The diet consisted of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, olives, grapes, and small amounts of meat. The low levels of nitrogen 15 isotopes in the remains of the people suggested that meat was consumed occasionally, with the primary reliance on domesticated animals for work, milk, and wool.
Dietary Composition
The diet of the ancient Syrians at Tell Tweini between 2000 and 1600 BCE was predominantly plant-based, with a focus on grains, fruits, and vegetables. Despite being located close to the coast, the inhabitants did not consume a significant amount of seafood. Instead, they were able to sustain themselves through the cultivation of crops such as olives, grapes, and grains. The high level of carbon 13 isotopes in the preserved seeds indicated that the crops were well cared for and irrigated throughout the site’s history.
Olive oil production became a significant economic activity in Tell Tweini during the Iron Age, with installations related to this activity present in every house. Despite the collapse of the Ugaritic Kingdom shortly after 1200 BCE due to crop failure, social unrest, and famine, Tell Tweini was able to continue its olive oil production with no signs of stress in the plant isotopes. This resilience suggests that the inhabitants of Tell Tweini were able to adapt to the increased aridity in the region, showcasing their ability to thrive in challenging environmental conditions.
The ancient Mediterranean diet followed by the inhabitants of Tell Tweini has stood the test of time as a blueprint for health and sustainability. The emphasis on plant-based foods, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, with moderate amounts of meat, mirrors the dietary recommendations for promoting health and wellbeing today. The diet’s ability to sustain the population for millennia highlights the importance of a balanced and varied diet rich in nutrients.
The ancient Syrians living in Tell Tweini exemplified the benefits of following a Mediterranean-like diet for their health and overall wellbeing. Their dietary patterns, which included a variety of plant-based foods, olives, grapes, and grains, offer valuable insights into sustainable eating practices. By understanding and adopting elements of the ancient Mediterranean diet, we can work towards promoting both individual health and environmental sustainability in the modern world.
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