Geoarchaeology IEA
IEA-01 General contributions to geoarchaeology Magnus Hellqvist, Filippos Tsikalas
Geoarchaeology provides the interface between the Earth Sciences and Archaeology. Being a multidisciplinary field of research, applying geological knowledge, concepts and methods for solving archaeological problems, Geoarchaeology involves many aspects of Earth Science, such as bedrock and Quaternary geology, soil science, sedimentology, physical geography and geophysics. Studies include earth surface dynamics (physical and biological), sedimentation processes, techniques for non-destructive prospecting, and the determination of the age and provenance of various phenomena. Common to all the work is the characterization of the natural environment during the evolution of mankind, and the impact of human activity on this environment, including implications for both short and long term climate change. Contributions, oral and posters, are welcome that will stimulate creative discussion of all aspects of this subject.
IEA-03 Geophysical and geochemical archaeology Oleg B. Khavroshkin, Andrey V. Zhukov Invited speaker: Mario Alejandro Caria
The development of modern archaeology involves new directions of research such as geophysics and geochemistry, and new methods and instruments. Objects for research are geophysical and geochemical fields and geological structures (archaeological sites and objects and also surrounding areas). Main directions of exploration include: seismic, microseismic waves and signals inside ancient structures; geodesic sizes location and classification of natural and artificial heterogeneity inside massive building blocks and ancient buildings; geochemistry probes from objects. These tasks are carried out by monitoring area and objects from space and by aviation systems, and by using geophysical methods and instruments, petrologic, geochemical, and other methods for analyzing matter, details of destroyed buildings and other places which are connected with archaeological areas. The symposium should also deal with modern technical methods for analysis of ancient techniques for treatment of different rocks and metals and different geophysical methods for search of new archaeological sites.
IEA-04 The geoarchaeological perspective: Human interactions with the geosphere Lucy Wilson, Pam Dickinson, Eric Fouache (IAG Working Group on Geoarcheology)
Human influence on the Earth System is not a new phenomenon: geoarchaeologists study the traces of human interactions with the geosphere dating back to ancient times, as well as up to and in the present. Geoarchaeological investigations provide the key to recognizing landscape change within a region, as well as reconstructing ancient landscapes and palaeoclimatic regimes. Such an interdisciplinary approach makes it possible to interpret the ways that humans affect the geosphere, through such things as subsistence and resource exploitation activities, settlement location, and local and regional land use patterns. This approach also allows us to determine the effects of environmental change on human societies. The geoarchaeological perspective can thus provide a longer-term view of human/geosphere interactions, and should be a valuable aid to those who try to determine sustainable policies for the future.
IEA-05 Geology and cultural heritage Tom Heldal
Preservation of our cultural heritage for future generations requires multidisciplinary research where geology is increasingly important. Most ancient monuments and historical buildings are made of stone; hence rocks are essential for the visual character of many historical cityscapes. Furthermore, the extraction of stone and mineral resources since the Stone Age has left ‘industrial’ landscapes that are significant historical monuments in its own right. We encourage contributions to the session dealing with a range of problems related to cultural heritage, particularly within the following fields: stone resources and cultural heritage; cityscapes and stone; ancient and historical stone and mineral production sites; geology and conservation issues. We also welcome provenance studies that contribute to a broader understanding of the use and distribution of stone in the past.
IEA-06 Geoarchaeology and archaeometry Patrick Degryse (Society for Archaeological Science, ASMOSIA)
In the light of the increasing importance of interdisciplinary research in archaeology, of which archaeometrical research is a major part, a session dealing with the application of geo-sciences to archaeological questions is introduced. Specifically, mineralogical and geochemical research on the use of ores and minerals in ancient craft activity are aimed at. This includes the exploitation and use of mineral resources in ancient times and through history. Archaeometrical study of artefacts and their raw materials includes (non-exclusively) the characterization and provenance determination of ceramics and clay resources, the technology of ceramic production, the provenance determination of natural building stones and other building materials (bricks, tiles, mortar, plaster…) in relation to the geology of an area, the reconstruction of glass and metal production from its primary or secondary raw materials and the reconstruction of the geological environment for ancient mineral extraction.
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