European Archaeological Sites Research Articles

DNA in wheat seeds from European archaeological sites.

We have used hybridization analysis to detect ancient DNA in wheat seeds collected from three archaeological sites in Europe and the Middle East. One of these samples, carbonized T. spelta dated to the first millennium BC, has yielded PCR products after amplification with primers directed at the leader regions of the HMW (high molecular weight) glutenin alleles. Sequences obtained from these products suggest that the DNA present in the Danebury seeds is chemically damaged, as expected for ancient DNA, and also indicate that it should be possible to study the genetic variability of archaeological wheat by ancient DNA analysis. Finally, we describe a PCR-based system that enables tetraploid and hexaploid wheats to be distinguished.

Time‐domain magnetization of soils (VRM), experimental relationship to quadrature susceptibility

A comparison is made between measurements with a multichannel bipolar pulsed‐induction meter (PIM) and measurements made with a phase‐sensitive susceptibility bridge on more than 211 soil samples from a variety of archaeological sites in Europe. Eddy currents originating from the decay of viscous remanent magnetization (VRM) were measured with the PIM. The in‐phase and out‐of‐phase [Formula: see text] magnetic mass susceptibilies were measured with the susceptibility bridge. Viscous remanent magnetization was measured through eight time sampling intervals on the pulsed‐induction meter, and the linearity of VRM for selected samples was tested at various field strengths (200 to 2300 μT). It is believed that this extension of the reversible range indicates a high coercive strength of the magnetic grains in the soil samples involved. Whatever the origin of the soil sample, a constant decay of VRM with time was observed between 56 and 417 μs, after switching off the inducing field. This relation is shown to be a power law with exponent −1.4. This roughly agrees with a theoretical model that takes into account a finite‐energizing time of the transmitter pulse and single‐domain (SD) behavior of particles. Finally, a comparison is made between VRM and quadrature susceptibility [Formula: see text]. This comparison is in accordance with well dispersed single‐domain theory, and was found to be a linear relationship.

Contribution des cervidés à la chronologie des débuts de l'occupation humaine en Europe occidentale.

Cervids may contribute to the chronology of the early west european archaeological sites. I have used them exclusively, so as to allow testing by other independent methods (biostratigraphy based upon other groups, physical methods), which, therefore, I have not taken into account. If we follow this guiding principle, and in the present state of our knowledge, Chilhac remains the earliest archaeological site in Europe. A few other localities in central France might prove older, but the nearby locality of Blassac (which has yielded one of the best collections of lower Pleistocene Cervids) is more recent. Upper Villafranchian Cervid faunas are still poorly known. One may equate Peyrolles with the Weybourn Crag, but too few data are available for the important locality of Ceyssaguet to allow its precise setting in the chronological frame. The italian endemic "Dama" nestii, possibly descended from C. perrieri, might survive till the latest villafranchian at Pirro Nord and Le Vallonet, but more material would be welcome. These sites seem to predate the great post-villafranchian turnover (replacement of Eucladoceros and Cervids with three-tined antlers by "Praemegaceros", Cervus s. str. and Capreolus), but this event, however, might be more gradual than what appears from the fossil record.

Successful application of uranium series dating of fossil bone

A novel approach to uranium series disequilibrium dating is presented and used successfully to date bones from several European archaeological and palaeontological sites. A method is described based on a proposed mechanism of uranium uptake and fixation derived from present understanding of the biochemistry of fossilizing bones and the geochemistry of uranium. Stability of uranium in fossil bone is predicted under particular conditions of local depositional environment, and the importance of the inhomogeneous distribution of uranium through bone to uranium-series dating is explained. Sample bones from several different sites have been examined, taking into account the three factors of uptake mechanism, uranium distribution and sedimentary environment, and have yielded ages in good agreement with those derived by alternative dating methods or from chronologically fixed stratigraphical positions.

Ultra-rapid magnetic surveying in archaeology

The cause of magnetic anomalies arising from archaeological sources together with established overseas field surveying and interpretation techniques are reviewed. Faster and less complicated methods are required for investigations of Australian aboriginal sites. This is because anomalies associated with aboriginal habitation are generally much weaker than those found over European archaeological sites and larger areas usually have to be covered. A very simple system is described which enables interpretation to be carried out on the site without the need for computing. A method of data presentation is given which enables up to 5:1 signal enhancement over temporal noise. As an example, the magnetic field originating from a camp fire-site is mapped, illustrating the advantages of the use of the equipment and the technique.