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This is the complete lecture note for ARC206 Science in Archaeology. You can read it online below, open it in the full viewer, or download the PDF for offline study. It pairs with the course's video lectures, so you can read and watch together.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS ARC 206: Science in Archaeology (2 Units C: LH 30) Course Code: ARC 206 Course Title: Science in Archaeology Course Unit: 2 Units C Series 1: Contributions Of The Physical And Life Sciences To Archaeology Series 2: Site Prospection, Scientific Handling, And Data Analysis Series 3: Dating Methods, Interpretation, And Stratigraphy Series 4: Ecology, Systems Theory, And Laboratory Analysis Series 5: Foundations Of Geoarchaeology, Zooarchaeology, Archaeogenetics, And Archaeometry Series 1 Contributions Of The Physical And Life Sciences To Archaeology • Part 1.1 The role of the physical sciences in archaeology o 1.1.1 Physics and chemistry in archaeological analysis o 1.1.2 Applications of geology and geography • Part 1.2 The role of the life sciences in archaeology o 1.2.1 Biology and ecology in preservation studies o 1.2.2 Microorganisms and macroorganisms in archaeological contexts • Part 1.3 Integrating science into archaeological interpretation o 1.3.1 Case studies of scientific contributions o 1.3.2 Limitations and challenges of scientific approaches
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Introduction Archaeology is often thought of as the study of artefacts and ancient sites, yet it is deeply enriched by the contributions of the physical and life sciences. Physics, chemistry, biology, and ecology provide tools and insights that help archaeologists analyse materials, understand preservation, and reconstruct past environments. Without these sciences, many archaeological discoveries would remain unexplained or misinterpreted. The aim of this Series is to introduce you to the significance of the physical and life sciences in archaeology, showing how they support the identification, preservation, and interpretation of archaeological resources. We shall commence this Series by examining the role of the physical sciences, focusing on how physics, chemistry, geology, and geography contribute to archaeological analysis. Next, we will explore the role of the life sciences, considering how biology and ecology help explain preservation and how organisms affect archaeological remains. Finally, we will conclude by integrating these scientific perspectives into archaeological interpretation, using case studies and discussing the challenges of applying science in archaeology. Series Learning Outcomes Upon completing this Series, you should be able to: • SLO 1.1 explain the contributions of physics and chemistry to archaeological analysis, • SLO 1.2 describe the applications of geology and geography in archaeology, • SLO 1.3 analyse the role of biology and ecology in the preservation of archaeological remains, • SLO 1.4 evaluate how microorganisms and macroorganisms affect archaeological contexts, • SLO 1.5 assess case studies that demonstrate the integration of science into archaeology, and • SLO 1.6 discuss the limitations and challenges of scientific approaches in archaeology.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS 1.1 The Role Of The Physical Sciences In Archaeology 1.1.1 Physics and chemistry in archaeological analysis Physics is the branch of science concerned with matter, energy, and their interactions. In archaeology, physics contributes through techniques such as radiography, magnetometry, and ground-penetrating radar, which help detect buried structures without excavation. Chemistry is the study of substances, their properties, and reactions. Archaeologists use chemistry to analyse artefact composition, identify pigments, and study soil chemistry to detect human activity. These sciences allow archaeologists to investigate materials at a microscopic level, revealing information about technology, trade, and cultural practices. For example, chemical residue analysis can identify ancient food remains, while physics-based dating methods such as radiocarbon dating provide chronological frameworks. Diagram showing applications of physics and chemistry in archaeology (e.g., radiography, residue analysis, radiocarbon dating). Figure 1.1 Physics and chemistry in archaeological analysis
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Fill in the blank: Radiocarbon dating is a physics-based method used to establish ______ frameworks in archaeology. 1.1.2 Applications of geology and geography Geology is the study of the Earth, its materials, and processes. In archaeology, geology helps identify raw materials used for tools, such as stone types, and explains site formation processes. Soil analysis can reveal whether deposits are natural or cultural. Geography is the study of places and spatial relationships. Archaeologists use geography to understand settlement patterns, resource distribution, and environmental influences on human activity. Together, geology and geography provide context for archaeological finds. Geology explains the origin of materials, while geography situates human activity within landscapes. For example, geological sourcing can trace obsidian artefacts to their volcanic origins, and geographical mapping can show how rivers influenced settlement locations. Plate showing archaeologists using geological and geographical methods to study landscapes and artefacts. Plate 1.2 Applications of geology and geography in archaeology
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Fill in the blank: Geographical mapping can show how ______ influenced settlement locations in the past. Pilot questions 1.1 1. What is physics in archaeology concerned with? 2. Mention one application of chemistry in archaeology. 3. Why is radiocarbon dating important? 4. How does geology contribute to archaeology? 5. What does geography help archaeologists understand? 1.2 The Role Of The Life Sciences In Archaeology 1.2.1 Biology and ecology in preservation studies Biology is the study of living organisms, while ecology examines how organisms interact with each other and their environment. In archaeology, these sciences help explain how organic remains such as bones, wood, and plant fibres survive or decay over time. For example, bones buried in acidic soils may dissolve quickly, while those in dry caves may remain intact for thousands of years. Ecological factors such as temperature, moisture, and soil composition influence preservation. Archaeologists must therefore consider biological and ecological conditions when interpreting finds. This knowledge helps them distinguish between natural decay and human activity.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Diagram showing how biological and ecological factors affect preservation of bones and plant remains. Figure 1.3 Biology and ecology in preservation studies Fill in the blank: Bones buried in acidic soils may ______ quickly, while those in dry caves may remain intact. 1.2.2 Microorganisms and macroorganisms in archaeological contexts Microorganisms are tiny living organisms such as bacteria and fungi, while macroorganisms are larger organisms such as insects, rodents, and plants. Both play significant roles in the preservation or destruction of archaeological remains. Microorganisms can break down organic materials, causing wood, textiles, and food remains to decay. Macroorganisms may burrow into sites, disturb layers, or consume artefacts. Archaeologists study these organisms to understand site formation processes and preservation challenges. For example, fungal growth on pottery may indicate burial conditions, while rodent
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS burrows can explain disturbances in stratigraphy. Recognising these influences allows archaeologists to interpret sites more accurately. Plate showing examples of microorganisms and macroorganisms affecting archaeological remains (fungal growth, insect damage, rodent burrows). Plate 1.4 Microorganisms and macroorganisms in archaeological contexts Fill in the blank: Microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi can break down ______ materials, causing them to decay. Pilot questions 1.2 1. What is biology concerned with in archaeology? 2. How does ecology influence preservation of remains? 3. Mention one condition that helps bones survive for thousands of years. 4. What are microorganisms, and how do they affect archaeological remains? 5. Give one example of how macroorganisms disturb archaeological sites.
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