Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (510 page)

See
ROCK ART
.

 
Back
  -  
 
New Search

A dating technique developed in the field of geology that dates rocks on the basis of polar reversals. Such reversals occur when the magnetic pole moves to the opposite side of the globe; this has happened many times during the history of the planet. By taking a sample of in situ rock and comparing its modern orientation with that preserved in the rock itself as a reflection of polar orientation at the time of its formation, something of its age can be established by reference to a master chronology of global reversals. For archaeology the main use of this technique is for deposits containing early hominids. Reversals in the period 1.65 to 1.0 million years ago, for example, have helped to date beds II and III at
OLDUVAI
in Tanzania.

 
Back
  -  
 
New Search

The study of diseases, nutrition, dental state, and traumatic injuries in early populations, prehistoric and historic, through the analysis of preserved biological material including skeletal remains, body parts, and body waste (e.g. coprolites). Documentary and artefactual evidence can also be useful.

 
Back
  -  
 
New Search

The study of the origins and character of ancient soils (
PALAEOSOLS
), especially those below later monuments, structures, or deposits that serve to seal and preserve them.

 
Back
  -  
 
New Search

The study of ancient population groupings through the analysis of blood groups. Samples are derived from human remains preserved by freezing or desiccation, although spongy bone tissue can also be used in some cases.

 
Back
  -  
 
New Search

An ancient soil profile preserved within or beneath a stratified sequence of deposits or the structure of a monument, such as the old ground surface beneath a round barrow or rampart.

 
Back
  -  
 
New Search