Research field
Archaeometry
Archaeometry applies the analytical methods of natural and physical sciences to archaeology and art history, enabling researchers to date artefacts with precision, determine the origin and trade routes of materials, and reconstruct past environments and human behaviour. The field encompasses radiocarbon and luminescence dating, stable and radiogenic isotope analysis for provenance and diet reconstruction, ancient DNA (aDNA) for population genetics and animal domestication studies, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and neutron activation analysis for ceramic and metal sourcing, and archaeomagnetic dating of fired features. Technologies such as accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS), LIDAR-based landscape survey, and portable XRF instruments have democratised and accelerated analysis. Archaeometry sits at the intersection of physics, chemistry, geology, and anthropology, attracting funding from national humanities councils, archaeological foundations, and the European Research Council. Its insights reshape understanding of ancient trade networks, migration, climate adaptation, and technological innovation.
Top institutions
Oxford University
Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology
Harvard University
University of Arizona
University of Copenhagen
Subfields
Key technologies
AMS radiocarbon dating
XRF analysis
stable isotope ratio MS
aDNA sequencing
LIDAR
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