Geoarchaeology and Archaeological Mineralogy: Proceedings of 7th Geoarchaeological Conference, Miass, Russia, 19-23 October 2020

The book "Springer Proceedings in Geoarchaeology and Archaeological Mineralogy" presents selected papers from the 7th Geoarchaeology Conference, covering archeometry, geoarchaeology, ancient North Eurasian technologies, and non-organic materials. It utilizes modern analytical methods to explore the composition and structure of ancient materials and technological practices in modern Russia, Ukraine, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Mongolia.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 452 pages
Publication date: 06 January 2023
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive volume, published by Springer Proceedings in Geoarchaeology and Archaeological Mineralogy, presents a selection of papers presented at the 7th Geoarchaeology Conference, held from October 19 to 23, 2020, at the South Urals Federal Research Center, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Miass, Russia. The Proceedings bring together diverse studies in archeometry, geoarchaeology, and ancient North Eurasian technologies, encompassing paleometallurgy, stone tools investigation, geological resource exploitation, bioarchaeology, residue analysis, pottery, and lithics studies. Additionally, this book delves into various non-organic materials, rocks, minerals, ores, and metals, with a particular focus on copper and metallurgical slags. Numerous research endeavors employ modern analytical methods, such as isotopic, chemical, and mineralogical analysis, to unravel the composition and structure of ancient materials and the technological practices of past human populations across modern Russia, Ukraine, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Mongolia.

The book is designed to cater to a wide audience, including archaeologists, historians, museum professionals, geologists, students, researchers from other disciplines, and the general public with an interest in interdisciplinary research in archaeology and archaeological materials. It offers valuable insights into the strategies and techniques of past quarrying, mining, metallurgy, and lithic technologies across different chronological periods in the Eurasian steppe and adjacent forest zones.

The papers presented in this volume cover a wide range of topics, including the analysis of ancient artifacts and materials, the study of archaeological sites and landscapes, and the exploration of cultural and technological interactions within and across regions. The authors employ a multidisciplinary approach, drawing on expertise from various fields such as geology, archaeology, anthropology, and chemistry, to provide a comprehensive understanding of the past.

One of the key strengths of this book is its emphasis on the application of modern analytical methods to archaeological research. These methods allow for a more precise and detailed understanding of the materials and technologies used by ancient societies, shedding light on their social, economic, and cultural practices. By combining traditional archaeological techniques with cutting-edge analytical methods, the authors are able to uncover new insights and provide a more comprehensive picture of the past.

Another notable aspect of this book is its coverage of non-organic materials, rocks, minerals, ores, and metals. These materials play a crucial role in the study of ancient societies, as they provide evidence of economic activities, trade networks, and technological advancements. The authors explore the composition, structure, and uses of these materials, shedding light on the economic and social structures of past human populations.

Furthermore, the book emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of archaeology and archaeological materials research. It recognizes the importance of collaboration between different disciplines and the value of integrating knowledge from various fields to gain a deeper understanding of the past. The authors draw on insights from other fields such as geology, mineralogy, and chemistry to provide a holistic perspective on the study of ancient materials and technologies.

In conclusion, this book is a valuable resource for archaeologists, historians, museum professionals, geologists, students, researchers, and the general public interested in interdisciplinary research in archaeology and archaeological materials. It offers a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of the field, covering a wide range of topics and employing modern analytical methods to uncover new insights into the past. The interdisciplinary nature of the research and the application of modern analytical methods make this book a valuable contribution to the field of archaeology.

Weight: 712g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030860424
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022