Archaeometry

Book excerpt: Archaeometry is a growing branch of science, which aims to develop scientific techniques and methodology in order to obtain accurate and objective information from available archaeological material. This information, combined with the results of archaeological research, leads to a better knowledge of ancient cultural societies and their evolution. This book provides a unique opportunity for readers wishing to be kept abreast of current research and future trends in archeometry, by summarizing the most recent advances in the field. It consists of a number of papers presented at the 25th International Symposium on Archaeometry, held at the National Research Centre for Physical Sciences Demokritos'' in Athens, 19-23 May 1986. The papers cover a very wide range of archaeological materials and scientific techniques currently used in archaeometry, and present novel applications on specific archaeological problems. Topics include dating, provenance, technology of ceramics and metals, and prospection. A number of pure archaeological papers are also included, dealing with aspects of the transition from the Late Neolithic to the Early Bronze Age in the Aegean.