Session: #335

Content:

Whereas the material culture – things, which were created by man thousand years ago - is the basis of archaeological science, investigations on ancient technology is one of the most important topics. Archaeologist are able to determine, which materials were used for production and to deal with the ways of technology, quality, secondary use and recycling of objects. Techniques applied for the physico-chemical, structural and characterization of ancient materials are essentially based on methods used in Material-, Natural sciences and Chemistry. In Archaeology we use the definition Life Cycle of Artefacts – the same term, which seems appropriate in Engineering Sciences. According to this, a man made object starts its Life Cycle by the harvesting and extraction of resources, followed by production, use and the management of end of life objects such as waste. With recycling and valorization of materials the new Life of man - made objects starts.
This theoretical relationship between Archaeology and Engineering can be supported by the scientific approaches and their applications in practice. The topic of the session is object of cooperation between the actors from various fields of Human and Engineering sciences with the aim to share experience in using the analytical methods such as XRFA, XRD, ICP-MS, INAA, SEM, 14 C, CAD Geometries and Simulation etc. and pave ways for new insights in both fields. The session has to build the scientific bridge between the past and modern societies.
Among all other possible aspects following questions should be discussed in the session:
a) waste conversion into value (organic and inorganic);
b) prehistoric artefacts as sustainable materials (more intense, more economical, more respectful);
c) decomposition of organic materials into high value compost for sustainable crop productivity and energy
d) anthracology and palaeoecology

Session: #335

Theme & Session Format

Title & Content

Organisers