Chemistry in archaeology

Authors

• Ruth Ann Armitage, Eastern Michigan University

Document Type

Book Chapter

Publication Date

2018

Department/School

Chemistry

Publication Title

The Encyclopedia of Archaeological Sciences

Abstract

Chemistry has long been a central link between ancient materials and understanding human behavior in the past. Analytical chemistry methods, beginning with gravimetric analyses in the eighteenth century and continuing to portable instrumentation of the modern day, can provide information about technology, sourcing of materials, and how objects may have been used. From compositional analysis to stable isotopes to oxidative processes behind surveys and diagenetic changes, chemistry influences nearly everything in archaeological science.

Comments

R. A. Armitage is a faculty member in EMU's Department of Chemistry.

Recommended Citation

Armitage, R. A. (2018). Chemistry in archaeology. In S. L. Varela (Ed.), The encyclopedia of archaeological sciences (pp. 1–5). John Wiley & Sons. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119188230.saseas0087