Deciphering Hidden Ancient Human Physical and Chemical Markers through pOSL and pXRF Analysis: A Case Study at Tel Burna

As archeological sites are not isolated islands, they exert horizontal and vertical influence on their surrounding area. Therefore understanding the impact of these sites on their periphery becomes crucial.  Soil and sediments, as reliable historical archives, provide a unique opportunity to investigate these processes. Recent research has demonstrated that not all markers of human activity are visible, and a combination of physical and chemical methods, including pOSL and pXRF analysis, can provide insights into hidden past human signatures.

Core drills conducted at the footslope of Tel Burna In Israel's archaeological site revealed an anthropogenic unit buried within the valley. This unit also contains a layer indicative of heightened anthropogenic activity, which could either signify the remnants of an ancient field's surface or the site's abandonment, followed by rapid site erosion. Given that these drills spanned from the slope of the Tell to the valley below, we were able to track the sediment's properties from the top of the site down to the valley. It was shown that the anthropogenic influence reduced with distance from the site, resulting in increasingly intricate patterns, suggesting multiple sources of sedimentation—both natural and anthropogenic. Furthermore, the study revealed a cycle of deposits that were transported to the site from the adjacent valley through human material transport activities to be subsequently eroded back into the valley due to natural processes. In summary, the ancient archeological site during its occupation and abandonment is still a physical feature that has been contributing to the landscape cycling processes.