Session: #180

Content:

In recent years, the study of the archaeological record invisible to the naked eye (microarchaeology) has, through the application of microscopic and spectrometric techniques, contributed to the improvement of the investigation and interpretation of archaeological sites. Fine-resolution multi-proxy studies of soils and sediments have been essential for reconstructing the landscapes and environmental conditions of many regions in given chronological periods. Furthermore, they have also allowed a better understanding of the social, economic and cultural aspects that have driven many prehistoric and protohistoric societies.
The microscopic study of the intact sedimentary context, based on micromorphology, is one of the first steps in carrying out a high-resolution microarchaeological study. Micromorphology helps us understand the spatial context and the formative process of sediments. Furthermore, their study provides us with a precise description of the context of any other microscopic and molecular remains present in the sediments, such as phytoliths, diatoms, pollen, stable isotopes, organic residues, etc. This allows a precise and holistic reconstruction of the activities carried out by past populations, and reconstruction of the environmental conditions present at a given moment.
The proposed session aims to bring together different academics to present the results of their microarchaeological research from a multi-proxy perspective. Specifically, we seek case studies that address the challenges of integrating micromorphology and other high-resolution methods, to assess how they contribute to the advancement of archaeology and scientific methodology, their complementarity, strengths and weaknesses, and future perspectives.

Session: #180

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