Archaeological Analysis Research Articles

Patellae as a source of DNA in forensic and archaeological analysis.

Analysing genetic material from skeletonised human remains has become valuable in forensic and archaeological contexts. While the petrous bone is often preferred for DNA extraction, its availability is not guaranteed, and because of destructive sampling, it is not frequently used in forensic cases. This study explores the potential of patellae as an alternative source of bone material for genetic investigations. Forty-five patellae were sampled from a post-World War II mass grave and an archaeological Christian cemetery dated from the 13th to 19th centuries. A full demineralisation extraction method was used to obtain the DNA, and real-time PCR quantification was used to determine the quantity and quality of DNA. To evaluate the suitability of patellae for forensic and archaeological analyses, short tandem repeat (STR) typing was performed using the ESI17 Fast PCR amplification kit (Promega). To explore the difference in DNA yield, DNA degradation and STR typing success between the post-World War II and archaeological patellae, statistical analysis was performed. The results revealed significantly higher DNA yield and STR typing success in WWII patellae and higher degradation of DNA in archaeological patellae, highlighting the impact of environmental exposure time on genetic material preservation. Almost all WWII patellae achieved a high success rate in STR typing with full profiles generated. More than half of the archaeological patellae showed high STR typing performance and highly informative partial profiles were obtained, indicating the suitability of patellae not only for forensic purposes but also for archaeological genetic analyses.

CRAFTING A FOUCAULDIAN GENEALOGY METHOD FOR ANALYZING CURRICULUM-AS-DISCOURSE IN SOUTH AFRICA

Introduction/Frame: (Contextualization/Justification) Viewing curriculum as discourse can enable educators to identify how historical markers of discrimination are repeated. Historical markers are archaeologically embedded in the various dimensions of a curriculum and find expression in preferred ways of thinking, speaking, doing, and being. Such historical hypernorms are often maintained by practical rationalities, or technologies of power that reify their taken-for-granted legitimacy as ‘truth regimes’. Research Question/Objectives: This phase of the study aimed to critically explore and disclose how the (socio/politico-historically constructed) rules of knowledge-formation in a contemporary occupational therapy curriculum-as-discourse, are reproduced and maintained as truths at a university that historically supported apartheid in South Africa. Methodology: A Foucauldian Discourse Analysis (FDA) approach was used to systematically craft a genealogy analysis method from foundational Foucauldian theory. Adjacent, a lens of the ‘dimensions of the curriculum’ was employed: i.e., the formal, the informal, the hidden, and the negated curriculum. Various data sources were categorized accordingly, e.g., overarching policy documents; social events; timetables and prescribed texts; physical teaching spaces; espoused values, and underlying assumptions modelled during assessment in teaching and learning spaces. Results: Following the four rules of knowledge-formation that ensued from an archaeology analysis, the contemporary reification of the historical markers was problematised through various technologies of power and self, as well modes of reasoning. Examples are pervasive white demographics of both students and faculty reifying cognitive monopoly and mono-cultural epistemologies; the rationalization of highly ritualized (over)assessment of students suppressing adult-to-adult transactionalism in andragogy practices; the reproduction of mono-cultural epistemologies in clinical training operating in the hidden curriculum. Final considerations: Consciously dismantling the rationalising strategies for the continuation of discriminatory patterns of inclusion and exclusion in a curriculum, can open a space for critical dialogue, disruption, and reconfiguration of a curriculum-as-discourse towards social justice, and epistemic freedom in (higher) education.

КЕРАМИЧЕСКИЕ ИЗДЕЛИЯ ИЗ СРЕДНЕВЕКОВОГО ГОРОДИЩА ЖАЙЫК(по материалам раскопок 2015 г.)

The presented article is devoted to one of the most common artifacts of archaeological complexes – ceramics. Based on the archaeological analysis of the products, the morphology and technical characteristics of some types are briefly revealed. The research base of the article consists of materials from the archaeological excavation of the Zhaiyk settlement, carried out during the 2015 field season. Ceramic production, as one of the specialized types of craft, has a certain set of special technical means and devices. Generalization of data on technology and, above all, the design of roasting furnaces over a certain, rather long, chronological period within one region makes it possible to trace the evolution of special roasting devices. This, in turn, allows us to make a conclusion about the level of ceramic production technology in a particular period, as well as judge the degree of specialization of the craft at various stages of the development of pottery. In addition, a detailed analysis of the design of the forges makes it possible to identify mutual influences, and often direct borrowings in pottery technology. For the medieval settlements of the North-Eastern Caspian region, this is all the more relevant, since based on the analysis of the earliest structures, it is possible to resolve the issue of the time and ways of the appearance of the region and the direction of its further evolution.

Archaeological Analysis of the Two Spearheads from the Territory of Medieval Armenia

Archaeological Analysis of the Two Spearheads from the Territory of Medieval Armenia

Debating the domus ecclesiae at Dura-Europos: the Christian Building in context

Abstract At Dura-Europos, homes were architecturally adapted across the late 2nd and 3rd c. CE by different religious groups to serve the needs of their communities. Although the Synagogue, Mithraeum, and Christian Building all began as domestic structures and share a similar architectural development, the origins of the latter have received unique attention through its classification as a domus ecclesiae or house church. This (hyper)focus on the structure's past use as a house does not do full justice to the archaeology of the building. Through an analysis of architectural adaptations, including before-and-after 3D reconstructions and daylight simulations, the authors show how the renovations significantly differentiated the Christian Building from its domestic antecedent and from Dura's houses more broadly. This approach is meant to shift attention away from more generalized, translocal, evolutionary models of Christian architectural development to micro-level archaeological analysis that situates structures within the spatial vernacular of their local contexts.

Archaeological analysis of the remains of Italian military structures from the period of World War II in Obrovac, Croatia

ABSTRACT Using landscape archaeology methods, field survey, remote sensing, and the analysis of historical aerial photographs, a distinct landscape has been documented in the town of Obrovac, Zadar County, Croatia. This landscape consists of material remains of various military structures from World War II, constituting the defence and occupation system of the town of Obrovac by the armed Italian. These material remains of military structures represent a highly significant material presence in the landscape. The research results presented in this study represent the types of fortifications used by the Italian army during World War II.

Leave no stone unturned: Exploring the metaproteome of beerstone for the identification of archaeological beer production

In archaeological contexts, identifying processes of beer production and consumption has contributed to our understanding of agriculture, labor mobilization, economic surplus, feasting, gender dynamics, social structure, tribute, community, identity and politics. Nevertheless, in the absence of pictorial representations and characteristic objects, beer brewing is difficult to identify in the archaeological record, and molecular methods are often limited by constraints of preservation and specificity. A potential target for studies of ancient beer production are residues formed during brewing activity, including beerstone, a calcium oxalate residue. Here, we apply shotgun proteomics analyses to a sample of modern beerstone to explore this residue's capacity as a marker for beer in archaeological contexts. The beerstone proteome was compared to the protein profiles of ungerminated and germinated barley to identify key proteins indicative of malted grains which may be encased by the residue. Proteins matching to barley grain (Hordeum vulgare) and Baker's/Brewer's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) were successfully identified in the beerstone. In particular, we identified hordeins, lipid transfer proteins, trypsin/α-amylase inhibitors, and protein Z, which are barley proteins abundant in proteomic characterisations of beer. In comparison to ungerminated and germinated barley grains, we find that beerstone preserves only a subset of the barley proteome, with the residue being more reflective of the final brewing product than of earlier brewing steps such as malting. Overall, we demonstrate that beerstone has potential to entrap and preserve proteins reflective of the beer-making process and identify proteins that we might anticipate in future archaeological analyses.

Ethics and applications of isotope analysis in archaeology

AbstractThis synthesis explores specific ethical questions that commonly arise in isotopic analysis. For more than four decades, isotope analysis has been employed in archeological studies to explore past human and animal dietary habits, mobility patterns, and the environment in which a human or animal inhabited during life. These analyses require consideration of ethical issues. While theoretical concepts are discussed, we focus on practical aspects: working with descendant communities and other rights holders, choosing methods, creating and sharing data, and working mindfully within academia. These layers of respect and care should surround our science. This paper is relevant for specialists in isotope analysis as well as those incorporating these methods into larger projects. By covering the whole of the research process, from design to output management, we appeal broadly to archaeology and provide actionable solutions that build on the discussions in the general field.

중원지역 원삼국~삼국시대 중심취락의 변동과 지역사회

This paper is written with the aim of classifying the settlements in the Chungju area of the Central Plains region, utilizing the recently introduced Social Network Analysis (SNA) in Korean archaeology, and examining the transitions of settlements and regional characteristics during the transition from the Proto-Three Kingdoms to the Three Kingdoms Era. Settlements in the Chungju area have the disadvantage of being numerically smaller than those in Cheongju. Therefore, the periodization is based on the expansion periods of Baekje, Goguryeo, and Silla: Phase I (before the mid-4th century), PhaseⅡ(from the mid-4th century to the late 6th century), and PhaseⅢ(after the mid-6th century). During Phase I, Geumneung-dong functioned as the central settlement with Tangeumdae-Fortress and Chilgeum-dong playing significant roles in the Mahan Central Settlement. During PhaseⅡ, with the expansion of Baekje, Tappyeong-ri emerged as a central settlement, utilizing the alluvial lands and hillsides for residential and burial purposes. Tangeumdae Fortress and Chilgeum-dong continued their roles as iron production sites from Phase I. Meanwhile, Baekje left its identity in the Hwangsae-maeri tomb cluster. In PhaseⅡ, iron production by Baekje expanded east to west from Tappyeong-ri. Despite the Goguryeo expansion, Tappyeong-ri continued to serve as a central hub. Additionally, evidence of Goguryeo-related tombs and residences in Dujeong-ri and Danwol-dong suggests a prolonged Goguryeo occupation in the Chungju area. However, in PhaseⅢ, Chungju witnessed the expansion of Silla. Silla utilized Tappyeong-ri, previously occupied by Baekje and Goguryeo, as its central settlement and established a central tomb cluster in Nuam-ri and Haguam-ri. Recently reported remains at 445-1 Tappyeong-ri indicate a broader extent of settlement in Tappyeong-ri, suggesting its continued significance as a central settlement even after the Silla expansion. During this period, surrounding settlements around Tappyeong-ri, Nuam-ri, and Haguam-ri expanded even further compared to Phases I andⅡ. However, in the late 7th century of PhaseⅢ, Danwol-dong emerged prominently, indicating a shift of the central hub towards the east. In essence, the central settlements in the Chungju area evolved from Geumneung-dong, Tangeumdae, and Chilgeum-dong (East) to Tappyeong-ri, Nuam-ri, and Haguam-ri (West), and finally to Danwol-dong (East). This transformation correlates with the expansion processes of the Three Kingdoms era following the Proto-Three Kingdoms period. However, there were differences in the formation and positioning of the central settlements among the Three Kingdoms. Specifically, Baekje chose locations reflecting intentions to monitor or exploit nearby Mahan forces, while Goguryeo and Silla directly occupied Tappyeong-ri. This is interpreted as a measure to counteract the weakening and containment of previous powers.

“Temple” at the Baba-ata fortifi ed settlement, a monument of fallacies

The article deals with the results of the archaeological works, conducted at the Baba-Ata fortified settlement in 1950s. During the study of the settlement citadel, three building horizons, connected by a well with a total length of 15 m, were identified. The lower horizon of the citadel with a central domed room, where there was a well with an underground passage, turned out to be unique in its own way. Having no similar analogues, the construction on the lower horizon gave rise to a lot of different interpretations among specialists, who considered this building as a homestead, castle, temple, sanctuary, khanqah, etc. The architectural archaeological analysis of the entire complex of sources (articles, excavation journals of expedition participants, drawings and photographs of objects under study, etc.), some of which have not been published anywhere, made it possible to give a completely different interpretation and dating of the site. The Baba-Ata fortified settlement is identified with the city of Baruket in Arabic sources, it was built by the Samanids at the beginning of the 10th century as a border point in the northeast of the empire against the Guzes Initially, the lower horizon construction consisted of two floors. The lower – semibasement, which caused a lot of controversy, was a shelter with the possibility of evacuation through the underground passage during the hostilities and has no analogues, being a kind of only building in medieval architecture of Central Asia.

Yesterday's problems are here to stay: Invisible exposure to geogenic metal (loid)s of arsenic, boron, and lithium in the Atacama Desert

AbstractIn this paper, we review the three natural contaminants (arsenic, boron, and lithium) that affected the ancient Andean populations of northern Chile. We debate the natural setting and the toxicity of these elements upon ancient populations exposed and their biocultural significance. This review demonstrates that recent advances in sensitive analytical atomic and mass spectrometry methods have immensely contributed to understanding the extent of exposure to geogenic metal (loid)s by ancient Andeans using well preserved tissues such as hair, bones, and teeth. In addition, the synthesized evidence shows that ancient Atacama Desert populations were significantly affected simultaneously by multiple potentially toxic chronic endemic regional hydro contaminants. Last, we suggest that future archaeometric and archaeological analysis need to consider ancient multicontaminants as an important factor when analyzing diet and health conditions.

Multi-approach study, digitization and dissemination of a Bronze-Age engraved cup found in Filo Braccio, Filicudi (Aeolian Islands, Italy)

This paper presents a multidisciplinary study combining photogrammetry, near-infrared (NIR) imaging and archaeological analysis to analyse a 1900-1800 BC engraved cup, found at the Bronze Age site of Filo Braccio in Filicudi, Aeolian Islands, Italy. The artefact is unique within the contemporary ‘Capo Graziano’ culture, featuring a rare complex figural scene engraved along the exterior walls; the “scene” provides insights into the prehistoric culture of Filicudi and the Aeolian Islands. The study focused on generating an accurate three-dimensional (3D) model to i) support archaeological research on the artefact's engravings and ii) create engaging digital media for remote and on-site visitors. Photogrammetry used high-resolution photographs taken around the object and control points for metric accuracy assessment. This study also utilises NIR and visible light imaging to examine the engraved cup. The photogrammetric workflow provided a realistic 3D model textured with both visible and NIR data: the 3D model enabled to improve the reading of the engraved scene, revealing horizontal registers of figures, while NIR imaging highlighted material inhomogeneity. The resulting 3D model achieved a high level of detail, with 4381407 faces and a root mean square (RMS) reprojection error of approximately 3.9 µm. The NIR imaging revealed additional surface details not visible in the standard photographs. For dissemination, the optimised 3D model was uploaded to Sketchfab with informative annotations, enabling remote study and cultural promotion of the artefact. This multi-approach methodology offers a valuable tool for comprehensive artefact documentation and analysis, providing new insights into the artefact's complex figural scene.

Development of an Interdisciplinary Approach to the Radiocarbon Dating of Earth Mortars from Alula Old Town (Saudi Arabia). Integration of Building Archaeology, Mortar Analysis and Radiocarbon Dating

AbstractThis paper discusses the approach used to identify the most relevant chronological information on the historic development of the abandoned site of AlUla Old Town, in the northwest of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Western Asia). The approach is based on the use of the radiocarbon method to date earth mortars samples and soil layers used to create the constructive sequence of some buildings and, in turn, the chronological evolution of the site. Eleven samples of organic material (i.e., charcoal and vegetable fibers) were carefully removed from mortar samples and soil levels from six buildings and structures in the northern and southern areas of the town. Buildings and soil layers were chosen for their stratigraphic relevance and conservation conditions, based on an initial archaeological analysis of both, buildings and underground structures. Laboratory-based mortar analysis led to the characterization of the mortar’s inorganic fraction, and to the isolation of the organic material for the radiocarbon dating. Results from the accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) laboratory provides evidence of a Late Mamluk/Early Ottoman constructive phase (i.e., 15th–17th c. AD) of the Old Town that was only partially known until very recently. Furthermore, the results allowed the identification of an Ottoman phase (i.e., 17th–19th c. AD) during which most of the buildings and structures were rebuilt, and of a Late Ottoman phase (i.e., 19th–20th c. AD) representing the most recent interventions before the end of the Ottoman occupation of the area.

Power relations in the novel My Name is Alam by Leila S. Chudori

Exploring discursive formations in literary works allows researchers to analyze how language and discourse shape meaning, power dynamics, and cultural ideologies within a specific literary context. Understanding the discursive formations in literary works is crucial for comprehending the historical and social context in which these works were produced. This research aims to describe the forms and representations of power relations in the novel My Name is Alam by Leila S. Chudori. This is qualitative descriptive research where the data is interpreted using the genealogical and archaeological analysis methods promoted by Foucault. This method aims to uncover and understand hidden power dynamics in various aspects of human life. The research results prove that the author's statements were spread across various formations and became material for discussion. Two forms of power relations are being discussed; the first is the New Order government's practice of authoritarian power in its various policies, which limits human rights. Second, there is resistance from marginalized groups, namely political prisoners and their families. This form of resistance is an effort by marginalized groups to fight for equality and justice. The New Order government in Indonesia constructed a discourse to create a simulated space to legitimize its power within national memory politics. This simulated world is a blend of reality and fantasy constantly reproduced. As a result, the actual reality becomes obscured, and the symbols created are perceived as reality.

Stable Isotope Variation in East and Southeast Asian Marine Ecosystems and its Relevance for Archaeological Analysis

ABSTRACT This paper delves into the utilisation of stable isotope analysis as a tool for understanding ancient human adaptations to diverse marine environments, with a specific geographical focus on Southeast Asia and the Pacific. It analyzes stable isotope data from modern fish bones and tooth enamel, focusing on δ13C, δ15N, and δ18O values. The data confirm the reliability of δ13C as a proxy for marine consumption in archaeological contexts and emphasises the potential of combining δ13C and δ15N measurements to reconstruct marine food consumption and trophic level. This, in turn, helps us gain insights into ancient marine consumption and ecosystems in Southeast Asia. While distinctions between marine niches are not clear, δ15N shows potential for distinguishing feeding behaviours among fish species. The data also suggests geographical and ecological variations in stable isotope values, highlighting the need for locally-based baseline datasets in archaeological studies of marine subsistence strategies.

A Bayesian alternative for aoristic analyses in archaeology

AbstractAoristic analysis is often used to handle chronological uncertainties of datasets where scientific dates (e.g., 14C and OSL) are unavailable, and observations are described by association to archaeological periods or phases. Although several advances have been made over the last 2 decades, the basic principle of this approach remains fundamentally the same. Temporal windows of analyses are first divided into regularly sized time blocks, and probability weight is assigned to each of these for every observation. Weights are then aggregated by time block, and the resulting vector of summed probabilities is interpreted as a curve representing changes in the intensity over time of a particular phenomenon. This paper reviews the basic principles and assumptions of aoristic analyses in archaeology, highlighting several issues with its application and interpretation, advocating for a Bayesian alternative implemented via baorista, a new package written in R statistical computing language. The robustness of the proposed solution is evaluated through a series of experiments based on simulated datasets, which showcase key advantages over aoristic analysis. Two specific solutions are considered: a parametric approach where data are fitted to specific growth models and a nonparametric approach that allows for the visualisation of the changing frequencies of events, accounting for sampling error and the peculiarities of archaeological periodisation.

A comparative approach to GIS modelling of terrestrial mobility in archaeological sites. The iron age hillfort of Villasviejas del Tamuja as a study case

The archaeological analysis of Historical mobility is an increasingly studied topic thanks to new geographic information technologies. This paper proposes a modelling exercise of the spatial behaviour of a Second Iron Age community in the Middle Tagus Valley: the hillfort of Villasviejas del Tamuja (Botija, Cáceres). Based on our knowledge of the configuration of the site and the surrounding settlements, we propose a heuristic use of a series of GIS tools to understand how the spatial relationship between both elements was structured. More specifically, we compare the results obtained with different calculation methods that combine two essential variables to address this issue: mobility and visibility relations. On the one hand, we evaluate the results with the application of an already developed methodology: the MADO analysis. On the other hand, we present a complementary procedure for the calculation of Least Cost Paths (LCP), considering the visibility as a key element in the mobility. The methodology uses the same data, in a paradigmatic case study for comparing results. The differences obtained through the use of different tools are thus evaluated in order to weigh up the additional or complementary knowledge that they can provide us with to investigate archaeological research questions such as the defensive architecture of the hillfort or the distribution of other nearby settlements.

Analisis Peninggalan Keagamaan Hindu-Buddha di Kedatuan Sriwijaya: Perspektif Sosio-Kultural

This research aims to discover how the existence and development of the Hindu-Buddhist religion in Kedatuan Sriwijaya influenced society's social structure, culture and values at that time. The methods used in this research are literature study, field data collection, archaeological analysis, and interviews with historical and cultural experts. Religious life in the Srivijaya Kingdom, founded around the 7th to 14th centuries AD, was dominated by Hinduism and Buddhism. In that period, these two religions played an important role in shaping the culture, society, and politics of Sriwijaya. Socio-cultural, the start of the Cultural Integration of Hindu-Buddhist Heritage, reflects the solid cultural integration between these religions and local culture in Kedatuan Sriwijaya. Religious Harmony: this relic shows the existence of harmony between followers of these religions in Sriwijaya society. Religious Expansion: in this section, the Srivijaya chiefdom was essential in spreading Buddhism in Southeast Asia. Education Center Monks and Brahmins who visited Sriwijaya brought religious and cultural knowledge and influenced religious education. Economy and Trade started with Sriwijaya's strategy of developing the trade sector by building a substantial fleet of ships and controlling robust trading ports. Then, the artistic heritage, Hindu-Buddhist artistic and architectural heritage in Sriwijaya reflects the influence of the culture and religious beliefs that inspired it.

De Casteljau's algorithm in geometric data analysis: Theory and application

For decades, de Casteljau's algorithm has been used as a fundamental building block in curve and surface design and has found a wide range of applications in fields such as scientific computing and discrete geometry, to name but a few. With increasing interest in nonlinear data science, its constructive approach has been shown to provide a principled way to generalize parametric smooth curves to manifolds. These curves have found remarkable new applications in the analysis of parameter-dependent, geometric data. This article provides a survey of the recent theoretical developments in this exciting area as well as its applications in fields such as geometric morphometrics and longitudinal data analysis in medicine, archaeology, and meteorology.

Pathogenic variants in human DNA damage repair genes mostly arose in recent human history.

Genome stability is maintained by the DNA damage repair (DDR) system composed of multiple DNA repair pathways of hundreds of genes. Germline pathogenic variation (PV) in DDR genesdamages function of the affected DDR genes, leading to genome instability and high risk of diseases, in particular, cancer. Knowing evolutionary origin of the PVs inhuman DDR genes is essential to understand the etiology of human diseases. However, answer to the issue remains largely elusive. In this study, we analyzed evolutionary origin for the PVs inhuman DDR genes. We identified 169 DDR genes by referring tovarious databases and identified PVs in theDDR genes of modern humans from ClinVar database. We performed a phylogenetic analysis to analyze the conservation of human DDR PVs in 100 vertebrates through cross-species genomic data comparison using the phyloFit program of the PHAST package and visualized the resultsusing theGraphPad Prism software and the ggplot module. We identified DDR PVs from over 5000ancient humansdeveloped a database to host the DDR PVs ( https://genemutation.fhs.um.edu.mo/dbDDR-AncientHumans ). Using the PV data,we performed a molecular archeological analysis tocompare theDDR PVs between modern humans and ancient humans. We analyzed evolution selection of DDR genes across 20 vertebrates using theCodeML in PAML for phylogenetic analysis. Ourphylogenic analysis ruled out cross-species conservation as the origin of human DDR PVs. Ourarcheological approach identified rich DDR PVs shared between modern and ancient humans, which were mostly dated within the last 5000 years. We alsoobserved similar pattern of quantitative PV distribution between modern and ancient humans. We furtherdetected a setof ATM, BRCA2 and CHEK2 PVs shared between human and Neanderthals. Our study reveals that human DDR PVs mostly arose in recent human history. We propose that human high cancer risk caused by DDR PVs can be a by-product of human evolution.