ANTH 570AArchaeometry

Catalog

This course addresses the history, theory, and methods of Archaeometry. Broadly, Archaeometry represents the interface between archaeology and the natural and physical sciences. Considered an interdisciplinary area of research, Archaeometry requires collaborations between scientists (archaeologists, historians, art historians, museum curators) applying modern instrumental techniques to extract structural and compositional information from ancient artifacts and materials. The range of applications is large, from archaeological research (geophysical prospection, lithic sourcing, ceramic/metallic materials, tool function, dating techniques), to conservation of museum artifacts and historic monuments. The course addresses the full range of these topics, focusing on case studies relevant to current anthropological debates.