This research reconstructs diet and economy as social relations in the later prehistory of the Central Mediterranean. Particular emphasis is given to the Neolithic, Copper Age and Bronze Age of Northern and Southern Italy. The principal technique used is isotope analysis of human remains; isotope data are compared with archaeological evidence of food production and consumption. Particular attention is given to the balance of animal and plant protein in the diet, the consumption of marine resources, and the consumption of c4 plants such as millet.