WHAT IS PALAEOPROTEOMICS?
Palaeoproteomics is a means of analysing ancient tissues, from bones and teeth to softer materials such as skin and hair. It involves using mass spectrometry to calculate the exact mass of the molecules within a sample. The tool provides extraordinarily detailed results – in this case, showing not only which individuals consumed milk and which did not, but also what species the milk had come from (mainly goats and sheep). Prior to the emergence of palaeoproteomics, archaeologists had to rely on analysing animal remains and food containers, which provided limited evidence of milk consumption.