Archaeometry最新文献

This article presents the results of an isotopic study of the lead used in the fountains of the gardens at the palaces of Versailles and Vaux-le-Vicomte—two iconic examples of French formal gardens designed by André Le Nôtre. The construction of these monumental gardens in the 17th century required considerable quantities of lead, a material not found in the subsoil of the Paris region and therefore necessarily imported. Lead Isotope analysis of 16 samples (including pipes, solder joints and basin plates) reveals a homogeneous signature, indicating a shared supply source for both sites. Comparing these results with those from different European mining districts revealed a clear correspondence with the deposits in the Harz Mountains in Germany, which were active and important in the 17th century. However, a few samples associated with later construction phases suggest that additional supplies came from other deposits, probably located in France. These results highlight not only the importance of European trade networks in the supply of construction materials but also the geopolitical dimension of these choices, as Louis XIV's France sought to produce lead in order to substitute it for that obtained through costly imports.

Cliff tombs were a distinctive mortuary practice in southern China during the Han dynasty, particularly in the Sichuan Basin, yet the origins and identities of the tomb occupants remain poorly understood. Here we apply multi-isotope analysis (strontium, oxygen, carbon, and nitrogen) to human and animal remains from two cliff tomb sites in the Sichuan Basin, Gaojiapo and Yuanjingcun, to investigate individual geographic origins and dietary practices. Isotopic signatures reveal that most individuals were local, while a few exhibit evidence of long-distance migration, including origins in the eastern Tibetan Plateau and, possibly, the Yellow River Basin. When combined with recent genetic evidence, our findings suggest that most of these populations were descendants of Central Plains migrants who had settled in the Sichuan Basin before the Han dynasty and gradually adapted to the local environment. By integrating multiple lines of evidence, this study clarifies the demographic origins and cultural adaptations of cliff tomb communities, contributing to a deeper understanding of population dynamics in ancient Southwest China.

This article presents the results of archaeological and metallographic analysis of two iron knives from Asarlık in southwestern Anatolia, dated to the Protogeometric period (ca 1050-900 bce). The combination of analytical methods demonstrated that the objects were forged from different materials, low-carbon iron and heterogeneous steel, as a result of differential sourcing of semi-finished products rather than through deliberate action during forging. This conclusion fits the increasing awareness that the mastering of iron at the dawn of the Early Iron Age combined known, inherited techniques and experimentation, suggesting a gradual learning that eventually led to slow improvement in ironworking in a number of Mediterranean regions.

The emergence of Preslav Art Ceramics (PAC) in the second Bulgarian capital is widely regarded as an emblematic expression of Old Bulgarian culture, but its archaeometric profile remains underexplored. This study represents a first attempt to complement archaeological evidence through an interdisciplinary approach combining several targeted analytical methods. Archaeometric results from PAC fragments and clay samples from the Byal Bryag deposit near Preslav, together with the archaeological observations, suggest that PAC production developed through a gradual technological process involving systematic material testing, experimentation and refinement. These findings support the hypothesis that PAC emerged as a local phenomenon, driven by specific needs and circumstances. External influences, if any, were likely conceptual rather than technological. Further studies based on a broader dataset will be essential to refine or revise these conclusions. The agreement between XRD and magnetic data underlines the reliability of both methods for estimating firing temperatures. Unlike XRD, the magnetic method allows reconstruction within a narrower interval of about 50°C. However, overestimations observed for pre-fired Byal Bryag clay at certain temperatures highlight the importance of cross-validation.

The spatiotemporal trajectories of crop dispersal are crucial for understanding agricultural development and cultural interaction among prehistoric populations. The middle–lower Huai River represents a geographic, climatic, and vegetation transitional zone between northern and southern China and has long been regarded as a key region for Neolithic agricultural exchange. However, the timing and processes by which rice and millets appeared in this region remain unclear. Here, phytolith analysis from the Qugou site, together with phytolith carbon dating, reveals the earliest crop cultivation and domestication process in this area. The results show that rice was cultivated as the staple crop from at least 8.8 ka BP. Broomcorn millet and foxtail millet were introduced later, at 7.2 and 6.4 ka BP, respectively, and functioned as supplementary components of the cropping system. In addition, rice remains recovered from Qugou were the domesticated Japonica type, while broomcorn millet shows evidence of an ongoing domestication process. These findings represent the earliest evidence for the exploitation of both rice and millets in the middle–lower Huai River and provide new insights into Neolithic agricultural practices, crop dispersal, and human adaptation strategies in eastern China.

High-tin bronze artifacts, known as Sefidruy vessels and preserved in the Rasht Archaeology Museum, Iran, were examined to investigate patina formation and corrosion processes. Dating mainly to the Sasanian period (224–651 ce) and originating from Gilan province, these objects reflect a distinct copper–tin alloying tradition. Elemental analyses confirmed 20wt%–22 wt% tin with minor lead, whereas metallography revealed α and β (martensitic) phases characteristic of β bronze. X-ray diffraction identified cuprite, malachite, and cassiterite, formed through selective phase corrosion. Results demonstrate the relationship between alloy composition, microstructure, and patina development, offering insights into technological practices and artifact preservation.