Archaeological Excavations Research Articles

Evidence of Vedic Sanātana Hinduism as a Global Dharma

This research explores the spread-out influence of Vedic Sanātana Hinduism, postulating that it once served as a foundational spiritual and cultural tradition with a reach that extended well beyond the Indian subcontinent. By looking into key aspects of Vedic culture, such as meditation, ritual practices, and Ārcavigraha (deity worship) as expressions of the divine, this study presents a multifaceted view of Hinduism’s spread and adaptation across diverse ancient civilizations. Evidence of Hindu deities and symbols found globally in archaeological excavations—ranging from Southeast Asia, Europe to the Americas and Canada, —demonstrates that elements of Hindu spirituality were not confined to any one region. Rather, they appear to have permeated a variety of cultures and belief systems over time, often integrating with local customs and symbols. Moreover, this research examines Vedic Hinduism’s contributions to scientific knowledge, literature, governance, and technology, highlighting the sophistication and cultural advancement of early Hindu society. Ancient Hindu texts like the Mahabharata and the Vedas depict Bhāratavarṣa, a concept of a unified Earth or global empire under Vedic values, which is reflected in historical records describing interactions with regions beyond South Asia, including the Mleccha, Yavanas, and other international groups. Stories and references from these texts suggest a thriving network of trade, communication, and diplomacy between India and other parts of the ancient world, where Vedic influences may have taken root. Furthermore, the principles of Vedic literature continue to shape modern philosophy, science, ethics, and governance, underscoring the enduring relevance of Hindu thought across multiple fields. Further, Vedic texts trace humanity's origins to Rishi Kashyapa and his descendants, with references to various tribes and races like the Yavanas and Mleccha crossing oceans to establish their own cultures. The enduring legacy of Vedic philosophy in science, literature, ethics, and governance underscores its universal appeal and lasting impact on modern disciplines. This study demonstrates that Vedic Sanātana Hinduism, in its scope and influence, was more than a regional faith; it served as a global dharma, profoundly shaping the course of world history and spirituality. Through a combination of historical documentation, scriptural analysis, and contemporary scholarship, this research contends that Vedic Sanātana Hinduism not only shaped Indian civilization but also left an indelible mark on the religious, intellectual, and cultural landscapes of many regions across the globe. This convergence of ancient evidence and modern insight reinforces the idea that Vedic Sanātana Hinduism once operated as a truly global dharma, offering a comprehensive and profound framework for understanding the interconnectedness of human society.

Underground structures and cultural layers XIX – beginning of XX century in 101 quarters of Samara

The article studied cultural layers and underground structures that were discovered during security and rescue archaeological excavations in the 101 quarter of Samara. The types of foundations of buildings of different ages were identified and an attempt was made to determine the stages of use of the territory for construction. Petrographic study of brick images is described. Natural weak soils were investigated in the territory of 101 quarters of Samara.

A Note on the Equipment and Machinery for Democracy in Classical Athens: A Rhetorical Perspective on Material Evidence

The relationship between democracy and literacy is a longstanding topic of interest both to contemporary communication scholars as well as historians of rhetoric. Democracy and literacy are both social activities. Focusing on the Classical Period of Athens ( ca. 480–323 BCE) as a specific site of study, this essay argues that the dynamic interaction of these two activities was facilitated by the development and application of technological equipment. That is, technology, in this case, refers to the equipment and machinery ancient Athenians utilized that enhanced their literate skills in order to facilitate the performance of democratic activities. Archaeological excavations over the last century, especially at the Agora, have yielded artifacts that provide evidence of the technological implements used in democratic activities. This study offers an analysis of recently excavated artifacts arguing that Athenians developed and employed equipment that utilized literacy in order to enhance the civic processes of democracy. This field study advances the conclusion that the relationship between democracy and literacy in classical Athens requires an understanding of a third factor: the impact of technology.

Tymphaia(ns): Molossian(s) or Macedonian(s)?

The Tymphaians, like the Orestai, were considered as Molossian tribes by the end of the sixth century BC. One should not make the common mistake of interpreting the Macedonian expansion in these areas with the help of much later literary sources depicting the conditions in these areas under Roman rule, especially those of the Roman province of Macedonia, thus ignoring the earlier sources; therefore, one should not include Tymphaia in the “original” Macedonian regions. Tymphaia was incorporated in the Macedonian kingdom after 351 or 342 by Philip II, thus becoming thereafter an integral part of Macedonia and the theater of crucial decisions regarding the Macedonian throne. The preexisting institutions of the Tymphaians were not abolished after this incorporation. Their characterization as “Macedonians” by Arrian is related to the political use of the “national” adjective “Macedonians”, i.e., subjects of the Macedonian king. The tribal organization of the region must also have played an important role in the perception of the Tymphaians by the southern Greeks. In this context, one can only admit one’s inability to proceed to further suggestions or assumptions, as the surviving written testimonies are scarce. Perhaps, vital in this direction will be the data given to the historians through the archaeological excavations conducted in the area and the possible identification of the settlements mentioned in the scarce literary sources.

Combining Geo-Archaeology and Historical Nile Records to Understand Predynastic Settlement Patterns in the Region of the Nile’s First Cataract, Egypt

Abstract This paper aims to contribute new data to understanding early Predynastic settlement patterns in Egypt at the beginning of the state formation process in the 4th millennium bce. It focuses on the early settlements of the First Nile Cataract region. We employ three different datasets to address the issue retrieved from a recent archaeological investigation and drill coring and from Nile records available from archaeological and historical sources. The analysis is performed in a gis-based environment and through inundation modelling. Data suggest early Predynastic settlements at the First Cataract may have been settled all year round. They appear to be deliberately placed above the annual high flood level and have water resources for most of the year. The new geo-archaeological data further suggests that the average high inundation level for the early 4th millennium bce was similar to that documented for the end of the millennium.

A Geophysical Investigation in Which 3D Electrical Resistivity Tomography and Ground-Penetrating Radar Are Used to Determine Singularities in the Foundations of the Protected Historic Tower of Murcia Cathedral (Spain)

This study presents a procedure in which 3D electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and ground-penetrating radar (GPR) were used to determine singularities in the foundations of protected historic towers, where space is limited due to their characteristics and location in highly populated areas. This study was carried out on the Tower of the Cathedral “Santa Iglesia Catedral de Santa María” in Murcia, Spain. The novel distribution of a continuous nonlinear profile along the outer and inner perimeters of the Tower allowed us to obtain a 3D ERT model of the subsoil, even under its load-bearing walls. This nonlinear configuration of the electrodes allowed us to reach adequate investigation depths in buildings with limited interior and exterior space for data collection without disturbing the historic structure. The ERT results were compared with GPR measurements and with information from archaeological excavations conducted in 1999 and 2009. The geometry and distribution of the cavities in the entire foundation slab of the Tower were determined, verifying the proposed procedure. This methodology allows the acquisition of a detailed understanding of the singularities of the foundations of protected historic towers in urban areas with limited space, reducing time and costs and avoiding the use of destructive techniques, with the aim of implementing a more efficient and effective strategy for the protection of other tower foundations.

A Ptolemaic context from Hellenistic Patara. Remarks on amphora stamps and coins

Archaeological investigation at Patara, on the south-western coast of Türkiye, has generated new data concerning the city’s status under Ptolemaic rule in the 3rd century BC. In this study, we focus on a Hellenistic context found at the Tepecik Settlement dating from the period of Ptolemaic hegemony. A Rhodian amphora bearing a stamp on each handle and four coins found in situ enable us to date this context to the first half of the 3rd century BC. The amphora, which was produced in the Rhodian Peraia, slightly further north-west along the Turkish coast, records the eponym Χρυσόστρατος (c. 266 BC) and fabricant Ἀστός. The pairing of these two persons is here clearly confirmed for the first time. The four coins found in the same context include a bronze Macedonian regal coin, two ancient counterfeit silver-plated bronze coins (one recording the name of Alexander the Great and the other recording the name of Ptolemy I Soter), and a genuine Rhodian silver coin carrying the name of the magistrate Ἀριστόβιος. The Rhodian amphora stamps lend further precision to the dating of this context and coins. Thus, we suggest the period c. 275–265/264 BC for the dating of the Rhodian silver coin and the tenure of the Rhodian magistrate Ἀριστόβιος.

Monasteries in the vicinity of Armenian capitals (7th–13th centuries ad): Archaeology of architectural and urban context

The article analyzes the spread of monasteries in the immediate vicinity or on distant approaches to two cities of Armenia of the late classical and medieval periods, considering information in the sources, the results of archaeological excavations and on-site inspections of the sites. The author reconstructs the sequence of the topography of churches and monasteries near the capitals of the country – Vagharshapat and Ani, identifying the similarities and differences between them. It is noted that the development of the system of shrines in the vicinity of Vagharshapat was determined by the very history of the establishment of Christianity. The main patrons of the church construction from the 4th to the 7th centuries AD were Catholicoses. In the vicinity of Ani, where a surge in the construction of monasteries occurred in the first half of the 11th century AD, there was no given programme, and the originators included the Bagratuni kings and influential princes. While the development of churches near Vagharshapat started under the Arsacid dynasty, continued after the abolition of their royal power, and reached its peak in the first half of the 7th century AD, the monasteries in the vicinity of Ani, founded under the Bagratids, were subsequently developed less actively. In addition, the paper also reveals the specific location of monastic complexes in the vicinity of Ani in connection with the terrain crossed strongly by gorges and the traditional concentration of towns and monasteries along the right, and less often the left, banks of the Akhuryan River. Both on the Ararat Plain and on the Shirak Plateau, the churches and complexes accompanying the capital cities transformed the landscape, so ecclesiastic architectural images marked the visual boundaries of a special, elite culture.

A destruição dos restos da destruição: Pompeia e Herculano no Museu Nacional do Rio de Janeiro

Belonging to the Teresa Cristina Collection, pieces from Pompeii and Herculaneum were part of the permanent exhibition at the National Museum when the institution was destroyed by a devastating fire in September 2018. Those material remains of Roman cities buried by Vesuvius in 79 CE - frescoes, bronze jewelry, amulets, glass, lamps, and other objects of everyday life - remained under thick layers of eruptive material for almost two thousand years. Rescued in successive archeological excavations throughout the 18th and 19th centuries and, finally, made into a museum, they returned to the ashes, this time from fire. The history of the formation of this collection is linked to the second reign by close political links. Thus, what we intend to do is look at the long trajectory of these pieces, seeking to examine the symbolic uses to which they were subject in nineteenth-century Rio de Janeiro.

The Garden at Pingle Farm: An Unsettling Investigation

AbstractThis paper presents a reflection on the process and results of an historical archaeological investigation of a South Australian colonial farm garden. It demonstrates how the researcher allowed the emotions evinced by the site’s history as a frontier site to contribute to the discussion of the research’s relevance for contemporary Australian society, related to themes of national identity and coming to terms with a colonial past.

The ostracod distribution in the Sea of Galilee (Levant): species distribution and post-mortem dispersal of valves and carapaces

The Sea of Galilee is a unique large freshwater or slightly oligohaline natural lake in the Levant. Therefore, it represents an important aquatic habitat in the region that also provides invaluable ecosystem services for the local communities. To improve our knowledge of the lake’s ecosystem and the use of disarticulated ostracod valves and preserved carapaces, micro-crustacean remains commonly used in palaeolimnology and palaeoceanography, as proxies for palaeoenvironmental reconstructions, and to examine the post-mortem dispersal of ostracod remains, 68 surface-sediment samples were collected from the lake bottom in 2012 and analysed for the ostracod assemblages. Both, the noded and smooth, forms of Cyprideis torosa dominate in the Sea of Galilee, with the former more abundant than the latter. Relatively abundant and found at half of the 68 sampling locations or more, are also Ilyocypris hartmanni, I. cf. nitida, Darwinula stevensoni and Neglecandona angulata. In addition, ten less abundant ostracod taxa were recorded in the lake. Of all 15 taxa recorded in our study, ten were also recorded in a study of the Sea of Galilee’s ostracod fauna conducted already in the 1960s. The newly recorded five taxa are relatively rare, and they were mostly found in the region of the Jordan River delta or near the southeastern shore of the lake which were not included in the survey of the 1960s. Thus, there is no evidence for a significant change in the ostracod fauna of the lake over the last half-century. In comparison to the ostracod assemblage from a late Pleistocene archaeological excavation site at the southwestern margin of the lake, the assemblage from the recent survey is slightly less diverse, probably because of the long duration of ca. 5000 years integrated by the sedimentary section of the archaeological site and also due to nearby freshwater inflows from which valves and carapaces were probably washed to the site’s location. Our study also shows that ostracod valves and carapaces are typically relatively abundant in most of the surface-sediment samples collected from locations at 18 m or shallower. In contrast, very few valves and carapaces were recorded at depths greater than 18 m, which is a zone affected by seasonal anoxia in the Sea of Galilee. These few ostracod remains were apparently transported by currents and waves to the central, deeper part of the lake, but their low number shows that such post-mortem dispersal of ostracod remains is insignificant in the deeper part of the lake. Thus, our study provides support for palaeoenvironmental and palaeoclimate reconstructions based on ostracod records from single sediment cores obtained from depths unaffected by post-mortem transport and seasonal or permanent anoxia.

Menthol-Based Extraction of Fragile Wooden Coffin Lid (7–10th Centuries CE) in Laboratory Archaeology Excavation

Block lifting is a key step in stabilizing and removing fragile remains at archaeological excavation sites. Due to its favorable working properties and adhesive effect, menthol has recently been proposed as a volatile binding medium for temporary consolidation in archaeological conservation. This paper presents a case study on the use of menthol in the extraction and restoration of a large wooden coffin lid, approximately 1.9 m long and 0.9 m wide, from tomb 11 (M11) at Xie’ertala, located east of a Xie’ertala town in Hailar City, Inner Mongolia, dating to the 7th to 10th centuries CE. This coffin lid had fragmented into numerous wooden pieces, and was preserved in a relatively arid steppe environment, necessitating the extraction of the lid as a consolidated block. The use of menthol for consolidating and lifting the highly fragmented wooden coffin lid was intended to preserve critical archaeological information while avoiding damage to the underlying objects. An analysis of the physicochemical properties of these wooden remains suggests that the timber used for the coffin lid belongs to a common pine species from the Hulunbuir region. The degradation of the coffin lid was relatively mild, as shown by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) results. Dynamic Vapor Sorption (DVS) tests indicated that the hygroscopicity of the archaeological wood was 23.4%, compared to 21.1% for the reference sample, demonstrating good environmental stability. The safety of menthol as a treatment for fragile wooden remains was evaluated by comparing changes in the morphological and porosity characteristics of the coffin lid before and after menthol treatment. After treatment, the widths of the fissures remained largely unchanged, with all relative variations being less than 1%, and the porosity as well as pore size distribution of the wood showed negligible changes. Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) results showed that only 0.6% of menthol residue remained after 8 days of sublimation. This pilot study demonstrates that menthol is a safe temporary consolidant for block lifting and offers a promising alternative to the widely used cyclododecane. In conclusion, this research provided a new approach for conservators to safely lift similarly large and fragile wood remains during archaeological excavations.

Geochemical and Documentary Topography of a Medieval Silver Valley: Detection of Workshops and Identification of Their Function

ABSTRACTThis paper presents the interdisciplinary investigation (archaeology, geochemistry, history) of a medieval silver and lead production site located in southern France, in the Minier valley (Occitanie, Aveyron, Le‐Viala‐du‐Tarn). In order to identify the production sites, in situ geochemical surveys were carried out using a portable X‐ray fluorescence spectrometer and differential GPS, guided on the analysis of medieval archival sources. The cartographic representation of the metal concentrations in the surface horizons shows significant enrichment of zinc and lead in the vicinity of the mines. This first type of enrichment makes it possible to highlight the activities of separation of sphalerite and silver‐bearing galena. The galena thus isolated on the hillsides is then transported to the vicinity of watercourses, where it is crushed, washed, and smelted. These secondary activities result in a last type of enrichment in which only lead is found in large quantities. The cross‐referencing of the information made it possible to overcome the challenges related to the location of the mineral processing workshops, which were often invisible on the surface. The medieval workshops have been located and a function suggested, outlining the first trends in the spatial and social division of labour and providing a solid corpus for future archaeological excavations. Finally, this study highlights the persistence of significant metal contamination in the soils of a rural valley and encourages the consideration of former mining areas when examining the environmental impact of metal production.

Archaeometallurgical characterization of Greco-Roman copper-based and iron nails from Tel Abu Seify, North Sinai, Egypt

The current study focuses on the investigation of a collection of copper alloy and iron nails discovered amid numerous metal artifacts in the archaeological excavations of Tel Abu Seify, North Sinai, Egypt. This site, identified as a shipbuilding and repair facility, dates back to the Greco-Roman era (Circa 332BCE–A.D. 641). Different analytical methods were employed to ascertain the composition of the alloys, manufacturing techniques, and characteristics of the corrosion products in the nails. A range of techniques were utilized to achieve this goal, including optical and metallographic microscopy, X-ray radiography, portable X-ray fluorescence, SEM-EDS, micro-Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The results indicated that 19 of the examined nails were composed of copper alloy, except for two nails made of iron. The analysis revealed that the tin bronze nails were predominantly composed of copper, with a minor presence of tin (4.3 wt%), lead (4.7 wt%), and traces of iron and arsenic. Additionally, the iron nails were made of low-carbon iron alloys. Microscopic examination indicated that the nails were manufactured via cold hammering. The patina observed on the copper nails encompassed cuprite, atacamite, clinoatacamite, antlerite, and cerussite, often interspersed with the soil residues. The rust surfaces of the iron nails comprised hematite, magnetite, goethite, akaganeite, and lepidocrocite. The iron nails and some copper nails exhibited partial or total mineralization, whereas most copper nails remained in good condition, generally retaining their metallic cores.

Developing a STEM Curriculum Through the Community History of Ban Prohm Thin Tai to Enhance the Ability to be a Tour Guide and the Local Consciousness of Elementary School Students

The objective of this research is 1) To study in-depth knowledge about the historical context of the Ban Prohm Thin Tai community, 2) To design an educational management approach a STEM Curriculum through the community history of Ban Prohm Thin Tai to enhance the ability to be a tour guide and the local consciousness of Elementary School students, and 3) To study the outcomes of using the community-based historical education approach through the STEM Curriculum through the community history of Ban Prohm Thin Tai to enhance the ability to be a tour guide and the local consciousness of Elementary School students. This research is Action Research. The sample in the study consists of (1) a group of informants regarding the community history of Ban Phrom Thin Tai, comprising 12 people, (2) A group of experts evaluating the curriculum management of learning includes 5 individuals including science teachers, educators, and curriculum experts, and (3) The experimental group using the learning management approach comprises 23 elementary school students selected through purposive sampling, totaling 40 participants. 1) A deep study of the historical knowledge related to the community of Ban Prohm Thin Tai revealed that this area has archaeological sites that have been inhabited since prehistoric times. Over time, it developed into an urban community during historical times, characterized by the construction of moats and earthen embankments influenced by Indian culture. Furthermore, archaeological excavations have unearthed prehistoric human skeletons and various artifacts such as pottery fragments, rings, beads, and axes. These discoveries indicate that the area around Ban Prohm Thin Tai has a long history of civilization, making it worthy of preservation as a heritage for future generations. 2) Designing guidelines for a STEM Curriculum through the community history of Ban Prohm Thin Tai to enhance the ability to be a tour guide and the local consciousness of Elementary School students found that, the researchers have developed a comprehensive approach to a STEM Curriculum through the community history of Ban Prohm Thin Tai to enhance the ability to be a tour guide and the local consciousness of Elementary School students. This approach is termed the STEM+H model, which includes (1) Science, integrated history (2) Technology, integrated history (3) Engineering, integrated history (4) mathematics, and integrated history. The overall suitability of the model was found to be highly effective based on the evaluation results. 3) A study of the results of using the STEM Curriculum through the community history of Ban Prohm Thin Tai to enhance the ability to be a tour guide and the local consciousness of Elementary School students found that the approach of the TEM Curriculum through the community history of Ban Prohm Thin Tai can enhance the ability to be a tour guide and the local consciousness of Elementary School students.

The archaeology of eastern Lutruwita (Tasmania)

ABSTRACTFifty years have passed since the first systematic archaeological surveys and excavations were conducted in Lutruwita (Tasmania). Despite numerous Late Pleistocene archaeological discoveries in the southwest region, no indisputable pre‐Holocene sites have been found in eastern Tasmania. This profound difference raises questions about how Aboriginal people utilised the Lutruwita landscape; first as a projecting peninsula into the Southern Ocean and then as an island cut off by rising seas c.14000 years ago.To examine the difference between east and west further, legacy data excavated by one of us (RJ) in 1964 at the Oatlands OL1 site and stored at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG) has been analysed. The results of pXRF chemical analysis of artefact raw material, radiocarbon dating and studies of faunal remains have produced information that highlights the Holocene interaction between people in eastern Lutruwita. Despite the current lack of Late Pleistocene evidence from eastern Lutruwita, this pattern appears to be different from land use models for Late Pleistocene southwestern Lutruwita. With new information from the OL1 rock shelter site we can now contrast the Late Pleistocene hunting economics with the exceptionally well‐preserved faunal remains found in the Holocene site, OL1.

People of the Sea, or of the Soil? How the Balance of Marine and Terrestrial Resource Availability Informs Maximum Population on Four Polynesian Islands

AbstractMost studies of the food resource potential of early Polynesian populations focus exclusively on agricultural potential, and specifically starchy staples, despite the importance of marine resources to the Polynesians. To more accurately estimate total precontact food resource availability, we characterized the terrestrial and near-shore marine environments of four Polynesian islands: Moʻorea, Maupiti, Mangareva and Taravai. We estimate the agricultural potential of each island after a consideration of the ecological factors related to productivity. We also estimate the productivity of the near-shore marine environment as a function of surface area. Using a range of fish yield scenarios from Pacific subsistence systems we scale relative measures of faunal food biomass derived from local archaeological excavations to generate absolute biomass estimates. We convert our estimates of agricultural and fished/foraged food potential into a maximum population size based on calorie availability. Moʻorea’s fertile valleys and wetlands would potentially generate sufficient food energy, mostly from starchy staples, to support a considerable population, many times larger than the other islands. In the most likely fish yield scenario Moʻorea gets only 0.4% of its calories from marine sources, while the others range from 7–18%. These relative inputs reflect the vast superiority in productivity (in terms of calories per km2) of agricultural vs near-shore marine zones. We also find that population size on islands with smaller fringing reefs, such as Moʻorea, may have been limited by a lack of fish protein. Moʻorea’s maximum population is approximately halved when diet breadth is considered.

Bioarchaeological analysis of human skeletal remains associated with the wrecking of the retourschip “Batavia”, 1629: burials BIB 11–14

The voyage and subsequent mutiny associated with the wrecking of the VOC retourschip “Batavia” (1629) in the Houtman Abrolhos, off the western coast of Australia, represents one of the earliest documented European encounters with Australia. Much of our understanding of events surrounding the mutiny is detailed in a rich historical record, supplemented in the modern period with targeted archaeological research. Most recently, a large-scale multidisciplinary project, ‘Shipwrecks of the Roaring Forties’ (2014–2019), resulted in the archaeological excavation and analysis of a further 11 individuals on Beacon Island, long dubbed ‘Batavia’s Graveyard’, where the survivors of the wrecking spent several months trying to survive. The latter work brings the total number of individuals recovered from Beacon Island to 21. The present paper considers research undertaken on Beacon Island between 2015 and 2018, specific to the archaeological excavation and analysis of four individuals, designated BIB-11 to BIB-14. These burials represent the first discovery of human remains on the Island through archaeological investigations and for which their burial context and physical integrity had not been compromised by prior human actions, intentional or otherwise. The archaeological and biological anthropological interpretation of these individuals and their burial context, relative to the other sites excavated on the Island, facilitates new and significant insight into these people and the events surrounding their untimely demise on Beacon Island in the early seventeenth century.

Freshwater Mussel (Unio pictorum) Shells Reveal Hydrological and Environmental Change From 1300 BC to the Present Day.

Preserved biological communities can provide baseline data about the historical ecosystems and environmental conditions that preceded recent anthropogenic alteration. Freshwater mussel shells show particularly good preservation, and the shell assemblages commonly found during archaeological excavations can offer insights into past ecosystems. We studied assemblages of Unio pictorum mussel shells from palaeochannel silts associated with the Late Bronze Age site of Must Farm in eastern England (c. 850 BC), on an ancient tributary of the modern-day River Nene. We compared archaeological shells from two sediment horizons (broadly 1300-700 BC) to live individuals collected from two analogous sites on the present-day Nene. Size and growth rate, interannual growth variability and stable isotope (δ18O and δ13C) composition were compared between the populations. Size and the von Bertalanffy growth parameter L∞ differed among all four populations. Mean lengths and L∞ were higher in the two modern populations (mean lengths 77.3 ± SE 0.8 and 73.8 ± SE 1.1 mm, L∞ 91.8 ± 5.4 and 79.0 ± 8.1 mm) than the ancient populations (mean lengths 58.1 ± SE 1.6 mm and 68.4 ± SE 0.9 mm; L∞ 71.5 ± 16.9 and 76.8 ± 6.2 mm). Modern individuals also showed greater variation in age-corrected year-to-year growth. δ13C was lower in modern shells (-11.8‰ for modern shells, -9.03‰ and -9.02‰ for ancient shell populations), potentially reflecting altered hydrological and nutrient regimes. δ18O and δ13C were positively correlated for all but one sampled ancient shell, but not modern shells. These results reflect changes in local environmental conditions, particularly the transition from a shallow, slow-flowing tributary to a deeper, canalised river with faster flow, as well as effects of anthropogenic nutrient enrichment. The findings demonstrate the importance of long-term data in studying anthropogenic ecosystem alteration and avoiding shifting baseline syndrome in conservation planning.

Introduction to this special section: Geophysical methods in archaeology

Archaeogeophysics, i.e., the application and integration of geophysics into archaeological investigations, is an exciting and growing field of study and an international collaboration at the intersection of the physical and social sciences. Through the incorporation of ground- and drone-based geophysical and remote sensing tools, these collaborative teams continue to advance the field of archaeology by rapidly and accurately revealing hidden features of the past and helping to focus active archaeological digs. Equally relevant, yet often unnoticed, the inclusion of noninvasive geophysical tools likewise provides a means to understand and preserve historically and culturally sensitive sites without the need for extensive and potentially destructive excavations.