Surviving in the Muslim quarter: A hundred skeletons shed new light on a medieval minority in Spain

Recent archaeological findings in Tudela, Spain, reveal insights into the medieval Mudéjar community through the analysis of a Muslim cemetery. The study, based on chemical compounds in bones, reconstructs the diets of 120 individuals over five centuries, highlighting how this minority adapted to changing political and economic conditions. Following the Christian reconquest in 1119, many Muslims remained in Tudela, leading to the emergence of the Mudéjar identity. The research indicates a shift in dietary habits, with a decline in fish consumption and an increase in sheep, goats, and dairy products, reflecting the community's resilience and adaptation. The findings also suggest that religious observance intensified over time, as evidenced by burial practices and dietary restrictions. This study is significant for understanding the historical context of religious minorities in Spain.