This resource has been developed by the Association for Science Education for their RCUK funded series ‘Research focused teaching resources to inspire students in STEM Careers’ King Richard III The Isotope Story

The global research context Modern archaeology is supported by a vast array of different scientific techniques and analysis ranging from radiocarbon dating of finds to geophysical surveying of archaeological sites. Science based archaeology Collaboration between archaeologists and scientists is revealing ever more about our previously undiscovered past. [Image © Wimage72 | Dreamstime.com - Human Jaw. Photo]

Your BIG Research Question What can isotope analysis find out about Richard III’s lifestyle both before and after becoming King?

Research summary “The discovery of the remains of King Richard III provides an opportunity to learn more about his lifestyle, including his origins and movements and his dietary history; particularly focussing on the changes that Kingship brought. We analysed sections of two teeth which formed during Richard's childhood and early adolescence, and from two bones: the femur (which averages long-term conditions), and the rib (which remodels faster and represents the last few years of life). We applied multi element isotope techniques to reconstruct a full life history. “ Questions… 1.The most common isotope of oxygen is 16 O, nitrogen is 14 N and carbon is 12 C. Write down the number of protons and neutrons in each of these isotopes and then for unusual isotopes analysed by the scientists. 2.Describe how atoms of O, C and N become part of our bones and teeth. 3.Explain why the ratio of more unusual isotopes in the body can vary between individuals. 4.Draw a timeline of Richard third’s life ( ). Use the data on SS1b to mark on the period Richard’s life that isotope analysis of the following provided evidence for : rib, femur, lower left premolar 2 (enamel). 5.What aspects of Richard III’s lifestyle can these isotopes provide evidence for? Now investigate your Big Research Question... What can isotope analysis find out about King Richard III’s lifestyle? Isotope Ratios Scientists analysed a range of isotopes. They measured the ratio of these more unusual isotopes to the more common variety. For example, the 18 O/ 16 O ratio is higher if there is more 18 O in the sample How do atoms enter the body? Oxygen atoms enter the body mainly via drinking water and partly through food. The ratio of 18 O/ 16 O mainly depends upon the location of the water source. Nitrogen atoms in the body come from food eaten. The 15 N/ 14 N ratio increases moving up the food chain so is higher in carnivores. Carbon atoms also come into the body from food eaten. The ratio 13 C/ 12 C can distinguish between a marine and inland diet.

Research data Description Estimated age of development (years) Left Rib29–32 Right Femur17–32 Upper left molar 2 (enamel)2.5–8 Molar 2 crown dentine, pulp6.0–7.5 Molar 2 crown dentine4.5–6.0 Molar 2 crown dentine3.0–4.5 Molar 2 crown dentine, crown3 Lower left premolar 2 (enamel)2.25–7 Premolar 2 root slice 01 = base12.0–14 Premolar 2 root slice11.0–12 Premolar 2 root slice10.0–11 Premolar 2 root slice9.0–10 Premolar 2 root slice8.0–9 Premolar 2 root slice 07 = crown7–8.0 Premolar 2 08 = crown dentine2.25–7 2 Bones and teeth in our bodies develop at different times during our lives. By analysing the isotopes in different parts of Richard III’s skeleton scientists could find out more about different periods of his life. Different teeth, parts of the tooth (crown or root) and the layers of a tooth (the outer enamel or the dentine inside) develop at different points of childhood and so can be used to find out about the earlier years of life. Bone in the ribs is replaced quickly and so can be used to find out about the later years of life. Bone in the femur (leg bone) is replaced more slowly and can be used to find out about average conditions during adulthood.

East of England West of England SampleEast or West? Age 3 Age 7 Age 24 Age 31 Tooth (dentine) Tooth (enamel) Femur Rib Key: Age at which Richard became king. Going deeper… 3 Scientists compared the 18 O/ 16 O rations to international standards. This difference is called 18 O. The Greek letter is used to mean difference. The 18 O values were then compared with the ranges that scientists have found for people living in East and West England.

Researchers from the NERC Isotope Geosciences Laboratory provide support for archaeologists around the world. For more information on science and STEM careers see Where can science research take you? Dr. Angela Lamb is an isotope geochemist at the laboratory. She is one of the authors of the isotope analysis research paper about Richard III. For video clips illustrating a broad range of science careers relating to the natural environment see Videos feature a geologist, environmental physicist, and an ecologist amongst others.

Useful Links Further Information Richard III Science Richard III Science - This webpage, produced by the University of Leicester, explains the different ways in which science contributed to both the identification of Richard III’s skeleton and to finding out more about him. Animals and Archaeology Animals and Archaeology – A resource exploring what the isotope analysis of animal bones can tell us about the past. This includes more in depth information about how isotopes are measured and analysed that would be suitable for post-16 students. Other resources from NERC and BGS… Planet Earth MagazinePlanet Earth Magazine – News articles and podcasts produced by NERC on research news from the natural world which could be used to bring cutting edge research to the classroom. Discovering Geology Discovering Geology – a webpage hosting a variety of useful resources from the British Geological Survey

Research Paper This resource is based upon the research paper Multi-isotope analysis demonstrates significant lifestyle changes in King Richard III by Angela L. Lamb a, Jane E Evans a, Richard Buckley b, J Appleby c a NERC Isotope Geosciences Laboratory b University of Leicester Archaeological Services c School of Archaeology and Ancient History, University of Leicester Thank you to Dr Angela Lamb for commenting on this resource and for giving permission to include her photo. Organisations Researchers from the NERC Isotope Geosciences Laboratory (based at the British Geological Survey) collaborated with archaeologists from the University of Leicester. Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) British Geological Survey University of Leicester Acknowledgements