ERE14

Archaeometry: The use of geoscientific techniques to probe the archaeological environment
Co-Convener: Nodarou 
Oral Programme
 / Thu, 23 Apr, 08:30–12:00  / Room 2
Poster Programme
 / Attendance Thu, 23 Apr, 17:30–19:00  / Halls X/Y

The session aims to provide a platform for the promotion of the use of novel and integrated geoscientific techniques in order to extract archaeological and historical information from the cultural heritage and the palaeoenvironment. It involves all natural sciences and all types of objects and materials related with human activity.

The primary aims of the session are:

- To provide an opportunity for scientists interested in the archaeological environment to share advances in the development of laboratory and field-based geoscientific techniques.
- To allow interested scientists to examine the wide range of new and established techniques on offer for the analysis of their artefacts and sites.
- To examine how integrated site and laboratory studies contribute to a better understanding of the archaeological environment and the impact of humans upon it.

Contributions will be accepted on the subjects of (i) the remote sensing of archaeological targets, (ii) the exploration for archaeological remains, (iii) dating of organic and inorganic materials, (iv) analysis of the construction technology and use of ancient metals, ceramics, glass, stone, pigments and plaster, (v) the provenance of archaeological artefacts, and (vi) the use of biogeoscience techniques to analyse archaeological DNA, ancient diets and the residues of organic matter and palaeoagriculture.

Posters and oral presentations on all subjects related to the use of earth sciences techniques to the discovery, dating, provenance, deterioration and conservation of archaeological remains are welcome. Papers using pluridisciplinary approaches or related to integrated case studies are particularly encouraged. We also strongly encourage contributions which apply novel or established technical methods in new ways or in order to answer new questions.

List of Invited Speakers:

a) Mike Edmunds - Decoding the ancient Greek astronomical calculator known as the Antikythera Mechanism
b) Amos Nur - Did earthquakes trigger the collapse of ancient civilizations?
c) Zenobia Jacobs - Advances in luminescence dating, the timing of the anatomical and behavioural origins of Homo sapiens in Africa and their dispersal ‘Out of Africa’
d) Regina Hofmann-de Keijzer - Hallstatt textiles – the oldest dyed textiles found in Austria

This list was correct at the time of going to press but may change before the conference.