Isotopic Methods in Archaeology - facultative

In the course "Isotopic Methods in Archaeology", students will explore the use of isotopic radiometric dating methods, specifically radiocarbon dating, as well as the use of stable isotopes to reconstruct, among others, past diets, mobility patterns, climates, environments, trade, and provenance. The course will incorporate a mix of lectures and hands-on data modeling sessions to provide students with a solid foundation in isotopic principles and their application in archaeological research. Students are expected to actively engage in discussions and activities throughout the duration of the course.

Isotopic Methods in Archaeology is a comprehensive course that explores the different applications of isotopic analysis in the field of archaeology. This course will provide students with a thorough understanding of the principles and techniques involved in isotopic radiometric dating methods, stable isotope analysis, and advanced Bayesian modeling methods. Throughout the duration of this course, students will gain knowledge and practical skills that will enable them to use isotopic methods in their own archaeological research.

One of the key topics covered in this course is the use of isotopic radiometric dating methods, particularly radiocarbon dating, to determine the age of archaeological materials and sites. Students will learn about the principles and limitations of this method, as well as its various applications in different archaeological contexts.

In this course, students will explore the various applications of stable isotopes in archaeological research. One key aspect is the use of stable isotopes in reconstructing past diets. This involves analyzing the composition of human and animal remains to gain insights into the types of foods consumed by ancient societies. Additionally, students will examine the link between diet, health, and cultural practices in different societies. Another important use of isotopes in archaeology is the reconstruction of mobility patterns, which can provide valuable information about ancient trade and migration. Through the analysis of isotopic signatures in human remains and artifacts, students will learn how to track human movement and explore the dynamics of trade networks in the past. Furthermore, the course will delve into how isotopes can be used to reconstruct past climates and environments. By examining the isotopic composition of plants and animals, students will gain an understanding of past environmental conditions and gain insight into human adaptation strategies. Finally, the course will explore the use of isotopes in reconstructing trade and determining the origin, provenance, and distribution of ancient materials. Students will learn about the analytical techniques and statistical methods used to analyze isotopic data and how they can help reconstruct trade routes and connections between different ancient societies.

The practical sessions in this course will provide students with hands-on experience in modeling isotopic data. This will involve the use of advanced Bayesian modeling methods to analyze and interpret isotopic data to gain insights into chronology and past human behaviors and activities.

This course will be delivered through a combination of short lectures and interactive sessions. Students will be expected to actively participate in discussions and engage with the course material. They will also have opportunities to present their data, ideas, and interpretations of isotopic data. Furthermore, students will be required to complete both individual and group activities, which will include analyzing and presenting data, as well as critically evaluating scholarly interpretations. This will encourage students to develop their analytical skills and engage with different perspectives and interpretations.

Taylor, R.E., 1987. Radiocarbon Dating: An Archaeological Perspective. Academic Press.

Alexandre, P., 2020. Isotopes and the natural environment. Springer Nature.

Somerville, A.D. and Beasley, M.M., 2023. Exploring Human Behavior Through Isotopic Analyses: Applications in Archaeological Research. Springer International Publishing.

Leng. M., 2010. Isotopes in Palaeoenvironmental Research: Volume 10. Springer.

Sharpe, A.E. and Krigbaum, J. eds., 2022. Isotope Research in Zooarchaeology: Methods, Applications, and Advances. University Press of Florida.

Selected papers

Wood, R., 2015. From revolution to convention: the past, present and future of radiocarbon dating. Journal of Archaeological Science, 56, pp.61-72.

Pederzani, S. and Britton, K., 2019. Oxygen isotopes in bioarchaeology: Principles and applications, challenges and opportunities. Earth-Science Reviews, 188, pp.77-107.

Alexander Bentley, R., 2006. Strontium isotopes from the earth to the archaeological skeleton: a review. Journal of archaeological method and theory, 13(3), pp.135-187.

Schwarcz, H.P., White, C.D. and Longstaffe, F.J., 2010. Stable and radiogenic isotopes in biological archaeology: some applications. Isoscapes: Understanding movement, pattern, and process on Earth through isotope mapping, pp.335-356.

Fernandes, Ricardo, and Klervia Jaouen. "Isotopes in archaeology." Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences 9 (2017): 1305-1306.

Fernandes, R., Grootes, P., Nadeau, M.J. and Nehlich, O., 2015. Quantitative diet reconstruction of a Neolithic population using a Bayesian mixing model (FRUITS): The case study of Ostorf (Germany). American Journal of Physical Anthropology, 158(2), pp.325-340.

Bayliss, A., 2015. Quality in Bayesian chronological models in archaeology. World Archaeology, 47(4), pp.677-700.

Roberts, P., Fernandes, R., Craig, O.E., Larsen, T., Lucquin, A., Swift, J. and Zech, J., 2018. Calling all archaeologists: guidelines for terminology, methodology, data handling, and reporting when undertaking and reviewing stable isotope applications in archaeology. Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry, 32(5), pp.361-372.