Overview
Archaeological science is an interdisciplinary field dealing with the application of modern analytical techniques for addressing increasingly complex archeological questions. Material finds, ranging from manmade objects to human remains, are ‘interrogated’ by being subjected to rigorous physicochemical analysis to reveal information about the humans they once belonged to. It is a sophisticated way for humans of the present to interact with those of the past.
This lecture will unravel two stories: the first is of the people of the Kouris valley in Bronze Age Cyprus and how they came together to build a new city; the second is the story of the archaeologists and scientists who studied them and what new methods they have in their toolbox. The chemical and isotopic composition of Plain ware ceramics belonging to everyday objects (bowls, jugs, cooking pots) was linked to that locally available geological materials to determine the recipes of the ancient potters and their clay procurement landscapes. These choices regarding recipes and raw materials are intimately linked to social identities, as they need to be passed on from master to apprentice. They are, therefore, a valuable tool for tracking populations as they moved through the landscape to join or establish other settlements.
Speaker
Dr Christina Makarona has been conducting interdisciplinary research in the field of Archaeological Science at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel since 2011. A Physicist by trade, she was always fascinated by the ways in which material objects are interlinked with the stories of the people that made them. Her background in the use of X-ray analytical techniques has allowed her to be involved in research with colleagues from diverse domains, investigating objects ranging from Late Bronze Age ceramics to Medieval jewels and from deep-sea shells to meteorites. She is interested in landscape archaeology, archaeometallurgy and the pedagogy of interdisciplinary curricula.
Details
This is a hybrid event, which will take place in-person in the Gatsby Room (Chancellor's Centre) and also on Zoom.
If you would like to attend online, please register for the Zoom link.
Refreshments will be available for the in-person audience.
The Humanities Society organises regular talks spanning a wide range of topics. Every Tuesday during term time.
Access
This event will take place in Gatsby Room on the first floor of the Chancellor's Centre. It has step-free access with a lift and there is an accessible toilet located each floor of the building.
