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Bernard Suits is commonly thought to have defined games as challenges. This paper argues that Suits could not have done so without ruining his larger philosophical project. It then argues that he did not do so. Suits defined game playing in quantitative terms (i.e. being more or less efficient) not qualitative ones (e.g. difficulty, struggle). The paper concludes by exploring the consequences of this shift in perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the Beyceğiz Tumulus, located 11.5 km east of Gordion, which was subjected to multiple looting attempts, leading to a salvage excavation conducted between 2013 and 2017. It reveals that the tumulus, identified as a cenotaph, contained no burial or ritual deposits but rather a stone platform at its center, surrounded by guide walls, highlighting the architectural and planning expertise involved in its construction.

The article focuses on a remarkable artifact discovered in the 1980s during an archaeological dig in Kentucky. Topics include the discovery of a small, finely crafted armadillo-like sculpture, the potential identification of the creature as a glyptodont or armadillo species, and the significance of the find in the context of Paleo-Indian artwork and prehistoric life.

The article focuses on the prehistoric mounds and earthworks of West Virginia, highlighting the state's rich but largely destroyed archaeological heritage. Topics include the destruction and preservation of burial mounds, notable surviving mound sites like Grave Creek and Creel Mound, and the archaeological excavations and discoveries made at these sites in the 19th century.

Paleoparasitological and archaeobotanical studies provide useful information to reconstruct past scenarios where humans and animals inhabited. However, multi-proxy studies including these research lines are scarce. Here we applied paleoparasitological and archaeobotanical techniques to study a carnivore coprolite and a dung ball from Pueblo Viejo de Tucute archaeological site, in the Argentine Puna. Among parasites, Physaloptera sp., acantocephalan, and ascaridid-like eggs were identified, which shed light on potential parasitic infections and their possible implications for human health. Regarding the botanical evidence, morphotypes related to wild – Prosopis sp. and Geoffroea decorticans – and cultivated plants -Solanum tuberosum and Zea mays- were identified. In addition, pollen grains corresponding to the Amaranthaceae-Chenopodiaceae complex, the families Asteraceae, Myrtaceae and Poaceae, and the genera Taraxacum, Atriplex and Nototriche were found. Also, six diatom genera: Denticula, Pinnularia, Encyonema, Cocconeis, Surirella and Rhoicosphenia were identified. These botanical results suggest that the animals were living with humans or wandering around the settlements, which reinforce the hypothesis of possible zoonotic infections. This is the first ancient dung ball analyzed for this kind of study, proving to be a valuable source of information. Altogether, the results provide novel data to reconstruct paleoecological conditions of the region, which complement the available archaeological information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Nonferrous Metals (Extractive Metallurgy) is the property of Beijing Research Institute of Mining & Metallurgy Technology Group and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Arene Candide Cave, a key site for Western Mediterranean prehistory, is famous for the discovery of the richly adorned Mid–Upper Palaeolithic burial of the 'Young Prince' and for its use as a burial site at the end of the Pleistocene (Late Epigravettian). In both contexts, red ochre was a conspicuous element of the burial practices. Unfortunately, few provenance studies and analytical data are available for the pigments recovered in the cave. Likewise, the geographical and geological origins of these colouring materials, which are naturally abundant in the Liguro‐Provençal Arc, have received little to no attention despite their technical and symbolic value. During the 2008–2013 archaeological excavation at Arene Candide Cave, micromorphological samples were collected from the Upper Palaeolithic portion of the 1940s stratigraphic profiles, permitting a first description of site formation processes during the Gravettian. This led to the recognition of a Late Gravettian layer characterized by poorly sorted sediment rich in very small ochre fragments. This study establishes the provenance of these ochre fragments through the combined use of optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction. The results reveal a strong correspondence between the Arene Candide ochres and local ore sites, which were never considered before as potential sources. The mineralogical composition of the samples, characterized by the presence of barium sulphate and iron oxides, indicates that the Finalese area (NW Liguria) in which the site is located was the most likely source of the colouring pigments used by the Upper Palaeolithic hunter‐gatherers of the Arene Candide Cave. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tamil is the oldest language spoken in Tamil Nadu, India, with inscriptions dating back to the third century BCE found in caves, temples, and archaeological sites. The style and content of these inscriptions have evolved over time, reflecting changes in society, governance, and language usage. They provide valuable insights into rulers, dynasties, administrative systems, religious practices, and societal norms of their era. However, the diverse fonts and styles of these inscriptions necessitate an efficient method for alphabet and word recognition. Existing algorithms primarily recognize Tamil words and characters from the nineteenth century and do not address the language and styles used in the third century. This study proposes a novel DR-LIFT framework specifically designed for recognizing Tamil inscriptions from this earlier period, overcoming the limitations of current methods. The dataset used consists of third-century Tamil inscriptions. The algorithms within the DR-LIFT method specifically designed to detect text with intricate features such as curves, loops, and lines, significantly enhancing detection accuracy. The proposed framework achieves impressive outcomes, with a recognition accuracy of 99% and a recognition rate of 98.8%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we explore the effects of historical and contemporary ethnolinguistic diversity on socio-economic development in Afghanistan. Using a dataset of Afghan provinces, we find that historical ethnolinguistic borders are strongly associated with income, provision of public goods, and political preferences in Afghanistan. Pashtun areas exhibit higher levels of income and public goods provision as well as political support for the incumbent. There has been a persistent rule of Pashtun leaders in Afghanistan during the last three centuries. Furthermore, we instrument measures of contemporary ethnolinguistic diversity by the diversity of archaeological sites that belong to different ancient and medieval empires. We argue that higher levels of contemporary diversity are likely to induce lower levels of conflict, higher levels of income and trust, and lower levels of individualism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In accordance with ancient Egyptian beliefs, the preservation of the body after death was an important prerequisite for the continued existence of the deceased in the afterlife. This involved application of various physical interventions and magical rituals to the corpse. Computed tomography (CT), as the gold-standard technology in the field of paleoradiology, enables deeper insights into details of artificial body preservation. Therefore, CT was applied to investigate age at death, sex, mummification techniques, and the state of soft tissue preservation in 21 child mummies. The specimens are housed in European museums and were found in various archaeological sites. This sample included 12 males, 7 females, and two specimens of unknown sex, all between the ages of one and 14 years. Time periods were determined by radiocarbon dating, and time-related indicators of funerary equipment and decoration. Most of the mummies date from the Late Period to the Roman Period (664 BC–395 AD). Differences were identified concerning techniques of wrapping and embalming and removal of brain and internal organs, depending on age at death, social status and the archaeological site of the individuals. The variety and multifaceted nature of mummification and soft tissue preservation was analyzed in an integrated approach including a large number of specimens. The study highlights the significance of subadult remains as valuable bioarcheological archives to investigate burial customs and religious concepts in past societies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT This paper presents an archaeogeophysical prospection in Abydos, a rich archaeological site including royal monuments and tombs from multiple periods of Ancient Egypt. Abydos is the most important burial site of ancient Egypt, having a history extending back about 7500 years. Near‐surface geophysical techniques, particularly ground magnetic and ground‐penetrating radar (GPR) surveys, have been used to discover hidden ancient archaeological objects that will help with the site's long‐term development. The main objective of this work was the depth estimation and geometry determination of the buried archaeological objects southwest Seti I temple, such as walls, tombs and other features. A proton‐precession magnetometer (G‐857) and an SIR‐4000 equipment with an antenna of 200 MHz were used as instrumentation for the magnetic and GPR surveys, respectively. A final output is a total magnetic intensity (TMI) anomaly map, which has undergone extensive filtering to separate the residual components related to the shallow objects that could potentially serve as archaeological targets from the regional components of the deeper anomalies. Depth was estimated using source parameter imaging and 3D Euler deconvolution. The qualitative interpretation of the obtained magnetic maps reveals that there are clusters of anomalies that could indicate archaeological remains. On the other hand, the GPR findings reveal the presence of reflection hyperbolae within the measured profiles coinciding with the magnetic anomalies, supporting the probable existence of archaeological buried objects, which need to be confirmed by excavation. The main depths of these objects range approximately between 1 and 3 m. Our results bring new light on yet uninvestigated archaeological features at Abydos, paving the road to renewed archaeological research in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stratigraphic sequence of an archaeological site constitutes its biography, which details what was deposited, when it was deposited, and how the deposition occurred. However, many current methods of recording archaeological stratigraphy do not allow for a full reconstruction of a site's biography. This paper introduces a theoretical framework for analysing a site's formation and deformation processes, emphasizing the integration of different temporal, spatial, geological, and archaeological information elements. This approach offers a way to study change and dynamics by deciphering successive episodes, depositional events, their temporal and causal ordering, and, when possible, the speed and rhythm of such depositions. The integration of micromorphological data and absolute dating can increase the chronological resolution of a site's biography by formally defining the temporal boundaries of depositional events. Additionally, the use of multidimensional geometric analysis of occupational floors and sedimentary volumes enhances the understanding of the complex relationships between stratigraphic depth and temporality. These tools enable archaeologists to create multidimensional visualizations, make inferences, and enhance interpretations of archaeological sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent wave of armed conflict in and around the Gaza Strip, which began on October 7, 2023, has resulted in an unprecedented scale of looting and destruction of archaeological sites in the West Bank, with the aim of extracting valuable artefacts for personal financial gain. The antiquities looters used both traditional hand tools and heavy machinery in their plundering activities. This armed conflict (still ongoing as of this writing), which has led to the destruction of numerous archaeological sites in the Palestinian Territories, motivates this research. The primary objective of this study is to identify the impact of the recent political crisis on Palestinian archaeological sites, specifically focusing on the case studies of Khirbet Qusātīn, Khirbet Sīmiyā, and Khirbet ‘Abda, all located in Hebron governorate. The methodology employs a multidisciplinary approach, including field surveys, photography using cameras and drones, literature review, and analysis of available satellite imagery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The integrated use of remote sensing (RS) techniques, vertical magnetic gradient (VMG) and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) measurements, and, in particular, combined analysis of 2D and 3D data, can provide a viable option for the identification of targets of interest at complicated archaeological sites. In this regard, a case study is Kom C at the archaeological site of Buto (Tell El Fara'in) in the northern Nile Delta (Egypt), where satellite data (Google Earth, Landsat 8 and OrbView‐3), VMG and ERT measurements were collected prior to site excavation. In this particular case, soil salinity in the buried structures, a lack of contrast in magnetic susceptibility and electrical resistivity, as well as the orientation, complex spatial distribution and overlapping of the architectural elements, all contributed to a number of anomalies that were difficult to interpret using only 2D results. Initially, the archaeological remains were identified as being made of mud‐brick based on land surface temperature (LST) estimated from thermal bands (Bands 10 and 11) in Landsat 8. Then, the high‐resolution satellite data, as well as the VMG and ERT (2D, quasi‐3D and full 3D resistivity models), were integrated to produce a comprehensive map of buried archaeological features. Excavations by Kafrelsheikh University in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities recovered archaeological remains, including architectural elements that were perhaps used for official or administrative purposes or pottery‐making workshops during the Late Roman period (between the 4th and 7th century ce). The direct comparison of geophysical results to archaeological evidence from the excavation enabled a robust interpretation of geophysical anomalies visible in the horizontal resistivity depth slice and magnetic maps. As a whole, this case study highlights the value of combining satellite data with the analysis of 2D data and 3D views of geophysical surveys to better understand the real distribution of buried archaeological remains at similar complex sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2020, the complete Xixia porcelain kiln site at Suyukou was excavated. A large number of fine white porcelain products and various kiln furniture items were unearthed. Surrounding the kiln site, mining pits for raw materials and fuels, such as porcelain clay, coal, quartz, and limestone, were discovered. The kilns are designed as horseshoe-shapedt cross-draft mantou kilns, traditional in northern China. These newly discovered kilns can be referred to as Helan kilns. For the first time, remains necessary for a full technological sequence of porcelain-making were discovered. Additionally, the porcelain firing site used by the Xixia imperial house was also found. The highly advanced firing technology at this kiln site is unprecedented in previously excavated archaeological sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2021 and 2022, archaeological surveys and major excavations were conducted at the Xuetang Liangzi site in Areas B, C, and E. These efforts uncovered archaeological remains that include a complete sequence of Paleolithic cultures in southern China. The history of prehistoric human activity at the site spans more than one million years, covering the early to late Paleolithic period. The No. 3 skull of Yunxian Man, unearthed from Layer 3 in Area B, dates to approximately one million years ago and is the best-preserved hominin cranium found on the Eurasian continent of its period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 1899, the Italian Archaeological Mission was established in Crete, and soon became an important player in the rediscovery of Minoan and post-Minoan civilization. The paper analyses the relationships between the archaeologists of the Mission, directed by Federico Halbherr, and the local workforce through the key of imperial hierarchies. Thanks to diaries, excavation notebooks, private correspondence and images, the analysis sheds light on the perceptions archaeologists had of locally recruited workers. At the same time, it brings out the agency of the workers, trying to enlighten their relationships with the antiquities and their way of interacting with the archaeologists. By comparing Italian sources with those produced by other foreign archaeologists, the paper shows how this agency was silenced in the official discourse of archaeology, which incorporated the authority/subalternity and superiority/inferiority dichotomies elaborated on the excavation. After analysing the role of some local actors – such as Halbherr’s collaborator, Manoli Iliakis – the paper explores the popular narrative of Cretan archaeology, showing how the themes and images elaborated in Crete were proposed to the Italian public. Here again, the inferiorizing view of local actors, who were condemned to remain as ghosts between the lines of an archaeological discourse based on modernity and the hierarchies of imperialism, emerges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forty-six ceramic shards from the Early Bronze Age (EBA) archaeological site of Tappeh Gabri (the archaeological site 013), dated back to the latter half of the third millennium BCE and located at the Varzaneh Plain, central Iran, were studied using micro energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (µ-EDXRF) and petrographic analysis. The precision and accuracy of quantitative data obtained by µ-EDXRF were tested using a series of geological certified reference materials (CRM). The expanded uncertainty and the Mantel test on data obtained by µ-EDXRF showed accurate and precise quantitative µ-EDXRF estimation of elements present in the CRMs above their quantification limit. We show that the majority of the ceramics at the Varzaneh Plain is most probably local product. Discussions prompted collecting further compositional data and performing petrographic investigation from the ceramic shards from southern and south-western Iran in order to shed light on the origin of the ceramic shards excavated at the Varzaneh Plain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most of the Periadriatic Fault System has been active during the Oligocene and Miocene times. Its western part seems to be almost inactive ever since, while the eastern segments show limited seismic activity. We conducted a systematic archaeoseismological survey along the Periadriatic-Sava fault system, assessing buildings and archaeological sites for earthquake damage. Eleven sites, four Roman and seven Medieval, bear evidence of destructive earthquakes which occurred during the past 2000 years. These are (from east to west): Roman Siscia (Sisak) near the Sava fault in Croatia, Roman Celeia (Celje) at the Savinja/Sava faults in Slovenia, Magdalensberg (Roman) just north of the Karavanka fault, Medieval Villach, the Dobratsch landslide and Medieval Arnoldstein at the junction of Mölltal and Gailtal faults, Medieval Millstatt, Sachsenburg. and Roman Teurnia on the Mölltal Fault, Medieval Lienz (all in Austria) and San Candido on the Pustertal fault, as well as Medieval Merano and Tirol (in Italy) adjacent to the North Giudicarie fault zone. Damaged upright walls of Medieval buildings and deformed floors of Roman settlements testify to local intensity up to IX. Ongoing studies of archaeological stratigraphy and construction history allow the dating of one or more seismic events at each site, ranging from the 1st century AD to the 17th century. It is remarkable that the sites, 20 to 70 km apart, along a <400 km long segment of the Periadriatic Fault system, carry evidence for so many high-intensity destructive events, suggesting that the region is tectonically active. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A point-of-care testing (POCT) platform, i.e., a portable colorimetric immunosensor based on iron oxide magnetic beads and AuNPs, has been developed for detecting leather residues. The immunosensor demonstrates a linear detection range from 1 ng/mL to 10 µg/mL, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.985 ng/mL. The sensor exhibits high specificity and repeatability and performs effectively in detecting leather artifacts excavated from Inner Mongolia. Thus, the proposed colorimetric immunosensor not only enables the micro-detection of leather artifacts but also shows significant potential for on-site leather detection at archaeological sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A multi‐analytical approach based on colourimetry, micro‐Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, optical microscopy and powder X‐ray diffraction, has been applied to investigate Roman cooking ware samples dating back to imperial age (I‐II century AD). In particular, the highly distinctive production of pots coming from two different archaeological sites, 'Villa della Piscina' at Centocelle district and the so called 'Minerva Medica Temple' at Esquilino district (Rome, Italy), was studied characterising the colour, the chemical, mineralogical and petrographic distinctive properties of the investigated samples, in order to compare technological and provenance aspects. Classification of ceramic fragment by colorimetry, integrated by compositional studies with a main contribution of micro‐Raman spectroscopy, allows to discriminate between superior and inferior quality cooking ware and evaluate the compatibility of the investigated samples with some pottery realised in known manufacturing sites in Lazio. Compositional and petrographic features allow assignment of samples from 'Villa della Piscina' testifying productions in the surroundings of Rome, while an importation from outsider workshops is hypothesised for the ceramic fragments from the so called 'Minerva Medica Temple'. For these, an importation from outsider workshop is hypothesised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Virtual reality and databases are two technological domains employed in many scientific fields. In archeology, several works are being developed along these lines. This paper presents the workflow for the creation of an executable virtual reality: it integrates a virtualization of the archaeological site of Venta Micena (Granada, Spain) and a database of some of the most relevant archaeological remains from that site. The strength and novelty of this project are that it allows any user or researcher to walk through the archaeological site, pick up and put down any of the remains found there, access the database of the archaeological remains from any place and time, and visualize them in stereoscopic mode, which could unveil new information and conclusions. This document moreover discusses the contributions and possible limitations of this type of technology, as well as key concepts and the significance of archaeological excavation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Historical documents from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries mention the presence of numerous quilombos on the Tinharé island, on the coast of the state of Bahia, in Brazil. However, the white men who wrote the documents did not know the exact locations and generically called them forests. Currently, the island has three self-recognized quilombola communities, but the places where those quilombola communities are currently located do not necessarily correspond to the settlements in the past. Therefore, identifying these archeological sites poses a challenge involving theoretical and epistemological debates. From the archaeological and ethnographic work carried out in partnership with residents of the quilombola community of Galeão, in Tinharé Island, some of the settlements in the interior of the island were found and excavated. Through community-based archeological research, this article shows the work developed together with members of the quilombola community to find these sites, understand the present materiality, and the pattern of the places chosen by their ancestors to form remote settlements in the insular forest. The landscape is modeled as a structure of resistance to keep the quilombola territory safe over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Much has been written of the Plymouth Colony and its Separatist settlers "valuing peace and their spiritual comfort above all other riches whatsoever" (Bradford 1952:17). This project explores this picture of early English colonialism through work at the Doane site in Eastham, Massachusetts, one of the earliest European expansion settlements on Lower Cape Cod, which was occupied by members of the Separatist Plymouth community. As such, not only does archaeological work on this site provide a rare example of a first period New England farmstead, but it also offers a chance to explore the role of religion and ideology in the colonial process removed only one generation from the first European arrivals. Although the site was found to have been plowed, much can be learned from a close analysis of the structural materials and other finds, particularly those suggesting limited trade, architectural elaboration, and efforts at self-sufficiency. Historical and archival work, reanalysis of previously excavated material, and geospatial analysis were combined with new excavations in Cape Cod National Seashore in 2019 and 2022 to paint a more complex image of the early Plymouth Colony and its religious community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Landscape-oriented approaches in archaeology have moved beyond site-based research to interpret how people have engaged with, modified, and constructed the environment and how the legacies of these activities continue to influence land use. In the Maya Lowlands, landscape archaeology is related to the analysis of settlement patterns, households, agricultural intensification, and water management. The increasing availability of LiDAR data has revolutionized the mapping of archaeological landscapes under vegetation, especially in tropical environments like the Maya Lowlands, but researchers still emphasize site-oriented settlement densities and infrastructure. Furthermore, the accessibility of drone-based LiDAR platforms has the potential to collect data across several seasons or years to facilitate change detection. In this paper, we compare three LiDAR datasets collected from 2018 to 2023, using both occupied and unoccupied airborne systems. The landscape surrounding the archaeological site of El Infiernito, Chiapas, Mexico near the Classic period (AD 250–800) dynastic capital of Piedras Negras, Guatemala was selected to compare these LiDAR datasets in the context of prior, extensive ground-based fieldwork. These data were used to interpret the built environment, land use, hydrology, landscapes of movement, and other infrastructure constructed and modified by several communities beginning in the Late Preclassic period (400 BC–AD 250) to the present. When used alongside systematic survey and ground verification, the combination of several LiDAR platforms to collect data across different seasons at El Infiernito enhanced the understanding of the spatial distribution of archaeological sites and features across the karst landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article exposes the extent of Russian cultural aggression: the looting of museums and appropriation of items of the Ukrainian museum foundation, the damage to and demolition of archaeological sites of Ukraine, the explosion of the Kakhovka dam and the consequences of this disaster for Ukrainian cultural heritage, and the cultural erasure of Crimean Tatars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

NAA is applied to a sample of 360 archaeological ceramics mostly dating to the Late Horizon (1470–1532 CE) from the major Inka center of Pachacamac and fourteen additional sites in the Lurín valley of Peru's central coast. Results indicate Inka pottery was produced by multiple communities of practice working in distinct locations and the importation of small amounts of pottery from the Inka capital Cuzco, and networks of distribution for this pottery and sociopolitical boundaries in the region are discussed based on results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Contemporary migrations show form and intensity of interaction between homeland and host communities to shape social dynamics and identities. We apply here a contemporary theoretical framework and biogeochemical analyses to elucidate the scale, processes, and impacts of migration in the Tiwanaku polity (6th–11th c. CE) by inferring the mobility of individuals interred at the Tiwanaku‐affiliated site of Omo M10 (Moquegua Valley, Peru). Materials and Methods: For each of 124 individuals, we captured paleomobility across the life‐course by analyzing up to four enamel and bone samples that formed during discrete developmental periods for radiogenic strontium (87Sr/86Sr) and stable oxygen (δ18Ocarbonate(VPDB)) isotopes. Results: At Omo M10, archaeological human enamel and bone values range from 87Sr/86Sr = 0.70632–0.72183 and δ18Ocarbonate(VPDB) = −13.4‰ to +1.7‰, with a mean of 87Sr/86Sr = 0.70763 ± 0.00164 (1σ, n = 334) and δ18O = −7.8‰ ± 1.9‰ (1σ, n = 334). Discussion: Together with archaeological evidence, we interpret these data as evidence for multigenerational interaction between communities in the high‐altitude Tiwanaku heartland and at the site of Omo M10. Our results suggest that one‐fourth of individuals spent some part of their life outside of Moquegua and one in eight individuals from Omo M10 were first‐generation migrants. Greater mobility of females and juveniles at Omo M10 indicates that gender and family were important social constructs in maintaining relationships and cultural continuity in provincial Tiwanaku life, and communities maintained autochthonous migration streams with Tiwanaku‐affiliated populations throughout the south‐central Andes. Intra‐individual biogeochemical analyses of migration at Omo M10 contribute a nuanced perspective on the diverse experiences of multigenerational Tiwanaku colonies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Africa, rapid urbanization covers archaeological sites and limits the utility of traditional archaeological field survey methods. This is not only a crisis for archaeological heritage conservation, but it also distinctly impacts anthropological understandings of African urban trajectories since much evidence for precolonial urbanism lies within areas of rapid expansion. However, high-resolution multitemporal satellite data may facilitate reconstructions of urban growth in African cities, enabling archaeological surveys to target undeveloped areas for prospection within the interstices of modern urban development. This paper describes an application of satellite remote sensing for archaeological prospection within the rapidly urbanizing hinterland of Zanzibar Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Survey results reveal settlement trajectories around the city over the last millennium, drawing attention to the role of rural agricultural land as a factor in the emergence of precolonial urbanism and the continued significance of rural places as urbanization progressed into the Colonial era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Histria Archaeologica is the property of Arheoloski Muzej Istre u Puli and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

As a rule, heritage plays a crucial role in shaping the identity of communities, with archaeological sites, in particular, being irreplaceable material witnesses of bygone eras. However, due to their fragility and non-renewable nature, they require strict protection. In Algeria, the archaeological site of Mansourah, located southwest of Tlemcen, is noticeable for its exceptional historical and architectural significance. A legacy of the Marinids of Fez, the site notably houses the Mansourah Mosque, considered the last great mosque with a military purpose in the Muslim West. This research project addresses the issue of preserving the archaeological site of Mansourah in the face of chaotic urban expansion in Tlemcen. The research is based on a mixed methodology, combining historical, architectural, and urban analyses. Between 2021 and 2023, field surveys were conducted alongside an inventory of relevant documents and multi-temporal satellite images. These data enable a comparative study of the development of the urban fabric on the archaeological site and its surroundings. Semi-structured interviews were also conducted with residents of informal housing units, revealing their perceptions of the importance of the site and its preservation. The aim of this article is to analyse the major challenges in preserving the archaeological site of Mansourah in Tlemcen amid urban expansion, by examining the perception of this heritage by the occupants of dwellings encroaching on the site and its surroundings. The study highlights that, despite its classification, the site is often seen as a constraint rather than a resource. Finally, the article calls for a specific operational management plan to enhance the history of Mansourah while taking contemporary urban realities into account. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Site modification via large and dense can dumps dating from the gold rushes of the 1880s and later in the Western Australian goldfields may profoundly affect the archaeological interpretation of these sites. A can dump has been examined in the abandoned campground of Muslim cameleers that dated from the 1892 gold rush to after the First World War. Here, can dumps comprising hundreds of cans, stacked up and in mutual contact and without other artefacts such as bottles, were not all the unmodified remains of meals and camps of transient people. This work presents a geochemical technique applied to soil samples around these dumps, showing high levels of tin and lead contamination, inconsistent with the underlying geology and similar to the composition of the solder used to seal the cans. This is consistent with the written reminiscences of a family supplementing its income by scavenging solder from hole-and-cap food cans over the period 1894–1909. This process of site modification by solder scavenging must be considered before food-can distribution patterns can be interpreted in terms of primary site occupation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2012 a program to investigate the management of underwater cultural heritage (UCH) related to the WWII battle for Saipan was developed with several collaborative partners. The program was conceptualized in response to the creation of the WWII Battle for Saipan Underwater Heritage Trail that launched in 2010 (McKinnon and Carrell in J Maritime Archaeol 10(1):11–27, 2015). With the creation of the trail there became a need to monitor and record both the benefits and impacts of promoting visitation at UCH sites. The monitoring program began on a five-year interval and included archaeological site inspections and the collection of in situ conservation data in 2012 and 2017. In 2017, as photogrammetric survey data was advancing and becoming more useful, it was added to the monitoring program. Again in 2023, site inspections, in situ surveys, and photogrammetric surveys were undertaken providing a total of 15 years of data at five-year intervals. This data has proved invaluable for recording both qualitatively and quantitatively how these WWII submerged sites are changing over time. This article reports on the development of photogrammetric surveys and the use of deviation analysis to demonstrate natural and cultural changes on UCH sites of a WWII battlefield from 2017 to 2023. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Sea of Galilee is a unique large freshwater or slightly oligohaline natural lake in the Levant. Therefore, it represents an important aquatic habitat in the region that also provides invaluable ecosystem services for the local communities. To improve our knowledge of the lake's ecosystem and the use of disarticulated ostracod valves and preserved carapaces, micro-crustacean remains commonly used in palaeolimnology and palaeoceanography, as proxies for palaeoenvironmental reconstructions, and to examine the post-mortem dispersal of ostracod remains, 68 surface-sediment samples were collected from the lake bottom in 2012 and analysed for the ostracod assemblages. Both, the noded and smooth, forms of Cyprideis torosa dominate in the Sea of Galilee, with the former more abundant than the latter. Relatively abundant and found at half of the 68 sampling locations or more, are also Ilyocypris hartmanni, I. cf. nitida, Darwinula stevensoni and Neglecandona angulata. In addition, ten less abundant ostracod taxa were recorded in the lake. Of all 15 taxa recorded in our study, ten were also recorded in a study of the Sea of Galilee's ostracod fauna conducted already in the 1960s. The newly recorded five taxa are relatively rare, and they were mostly found in the region of the Jordan River delta or near the southeastern shore of the lake which were not included in the survey of the 1960s. Thus, there is no evidence for a significant change in the ostracod fauna of the lake over the last half-century. In comparison to the ostracod assemblage from a late Pleistocene archaeological excavation site at the southwestern margin of the lake, the assemblage from the recent survey is slightly less diverse, probably because of the long duration of ca. 5000 years integrated by the sedimentary section of the archaeological site and also due to nearby freshwater inflows from which valves and carapaces were probably washed to the site's location. Our study also shows that ostracod valves and carapaces are typically relatively abundant in most of the surface-sediment samples collected from locations at 18 m or shallower. In contrast, very few valves and carapaces were recorded at depths greater than 18 m, which is a zone affected by seasonal anoxia in the Sea of Galilee. These few ostracod remains were apparently transported by currents and waves to the central, deeper part of the lake, but their low number shows that such post-mortem dispersal of ostracod remains is insignificant in the deeper part of the lake. Thus, our study provides support for palaeoenvironmental and palaeoclimate reconstructions based on ostracod records from single sediment cores obtained from depths unaffected by post-mortem transport and seasonal or permanent anoxia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the first identifications of species and element used to produce Paleolithic bone needles. Archaeologists have used the tailored, fur-fringed garments of high latitude foragers as modern analogs for the clothes of Paleolithic foragers, arguing that the appearance of bone needles and fur bearer remains in archaeological sites c. 40,000 BP is indirect evidence for the advent of tailored garments at this time. These garments partially enabled modern human dispersal to northern latitudes and eventually enabled colonization of the Americas ca. 14,500 BP. Despite the importance of bone needles to explaining global modern human dispersal, archaeologists have never identified the materials used to produce them, thus limiting understanding of this important cultural innovation. We use Zooarchaeology by Mass Spectrometry (ZooMS) and Micro-CT scanning to establish that bone needles at the ca. 12,900 BP La Prele site (Wyoming, USA) were produced from the bones of canids, felids, and hares. We propose that these bones were used by the Early Paleoindian foragers at La Prele because they were scaled correctly for bone needle production and readily available within the campsite, having remained affixed to pelts sewn into complex garments. Combined with a review of comparable evidence from other North American Paleoindian sites, our results suggest that North American Early Paleoindians had direct access to fur-bearing predators, likely from trapping, and represent some of the most detailed evidence yet discovered for Paleoindian garments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last 30 years, high-resolution site documentation has rapidly developed, with analogue drawings and film photography being replaced with high-precision digital recordings. Today, most archaeological field data sets are produced using digital tools that store spatial and visual information in various digital formats directly, i.e., born-digital. A fully digital workflow makes the process of combining, comparing, and integrating field datasets quicker, easier, and potentially more analytically powerful. However, at sites where both analogue and born-digital data sets have been produced, additional procedural digitization steps are required before full data interoperability is achieved. In cases where the archaeological sites have a long excavation history, multiple generations of analogue and digital site documentation techniques have often been used, making it particularly challenging to physically reconstruct an excavated site based on its archival material. The Middle Stone Age site of Blombos Cave, South Africa, is a prime example of this type of challenging situation. This site features a more than 3-meter-deep and well-preserved archaeological sequence dated to between 300 and 100 000 years ago. Since it was initially excavated in 1991, multiple archaeological campaigns have been carried out (>15), and the excavations are still ongoing. The field documentation from Blombos Cave has, over the years, produced varied but rich datasets that have never been integrated into a single, coherent, and accessible archive. In this paper we evaluate the changes in excavation protocol at Blombos Cave over time, and we use this knowledge to digitally integrate and map the various stages of excavation within a three-dimensional framework using digital photogrammetry and archival photographs. The archaeological and analytical value of this approach is exemplified through multiple case studies, in which we demonstrate how and why the merging of old and new archaeological field data can lead to new results, specifically by offering more complete mapping and more accurate and analytically dynamic visualisations. The research history at Blombos Cave is not unique or site-specific. Our approach would be applicable to a wide variety of sites and contexts where long-running excavations have produced a mix of analogue and digital field data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Archaeological excavations at the castle of Lorca (Murcia, Spain) led to the identification of part of the Jewish district of the town. This area, occupied between the 14th and 15th centuries, represents a unique example of a medieval frontier Jewish quarter defined by complex urban planning, a synagogue, and various domestic units. Archaeological work allowed the recovery of a large number of animal remains. This paper deals with the results of the zooarchaeological study of this archaeofaunal assemblage, aiming to shed light on the ways in which animals were exploited, distributed, prepared and consumed by medieval Jewish population of Lorca. The results reveal a model of animal economy centered on the exploitation of caprines (sheep/goat) and, to a lesser extent, cattle, chickens and other secondary species, although the presence of non‐kosher species such as pigs and rabbit is noteworthy. The identification of butchery marks attributed to the porging of the hindquarters of caprines, a practice typical of medieval Jewish communities, represents a marker of ethno‐religious identity of great historical interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Discovered 160 years ago, the Muge archaeological sites in Portugal yield the most significant documentation of human skeletons from the Mesolithic period in Western Europe (8200–7100 cal B.P.). However, sediment weight has caused significant postmortem alterations that have limited previous studies. Paleoimaging techniques were applied to overcome these limitations and provide previously inaccessible information. Thirteen crania from Moita do Sebastião (one of the Muge shell middens) were CT scanned for virtual reconstruction and morphological analysis. Meticulous examination of 2D and 3D images revealed bone changes not visible to the naked eye and unrelated to postmortem alterations. A comprehensive differential diagnosis was carried out identifying various pathological conditions including epidermoid or dermoid cysts, intraosseous hemangioma, and a possible case of anemia. These “hidden pathologies” offer new insights into the health status of one of Europe's last hunter–gatherer populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of a three-year survey (2021–2023), conducted in an area of approximately 356 km2 in Iraqi Kurdistan with the aim of identifying previously undetected archaeological sites. Thanks to the development of a multi-temporal approach based on open multispectral satellite data, greater effectiveness was achieved for the recognition of archaeological sites when compared to the use of single archival or freely accessible satellite images, which are typically employed in archaeological research. In particular, the Google Earth Engine services allowed for the efficient utilization of cloud computing resources to handle hundreds of remote sensing images. Using different datasets, namely Landsat 5, Landsat 7 and Sentinel-2, several products were obtained by processing entire stacks of images acquired at different epochs, thus minimizing the adverse effects on site visibility caused by vegetation, crops and cloud coverage and permitting an effective visual inspection and site recognition. Furthermore, spectral signature analysis of every potential site complemented the method. The developed approach was tested on areas that belong to the Land of Nineveh Archaeological Project (LoNAP) and the Upper Greater Zab Archaeological Reconnaissance (UGZAR) project, which had been intensively surveyed in the recent past. This represented an additional challenge to the method, as the most visible and extensive sites (tells) had already been detected. Three years of direct ground-truthing in the field enabled assessment of the outcomes of the remote sensing-based analysis, discovering more than 60 previously undetected sites and confirming the utility of the method for archaeological research in the area of Northern Mesopotamia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the impact of intraregional conflict on food security and subsistence practices in the Central Illinois River Valley (CIRV) during the Mississippian period, particularly between AD 1200 and 1400, a time characterized by escalations in intergroup violence. Utilizing integrated faunal and botanical datasets from two critical archaeological sites – the Lamb site, representing the preconflict phase, and the C. W. Cooper site, indicative of the conflict onset phase – this research elucidates how prolonged warfare necessitated substantial adaptations in subsistence strategies among CIRV Mississippian communities. While much previous research has centered on elite aspects of Mississippian warfare, this study shifts the focus to the broader societal impacts on the daily lives of residents of the CIRV. Findings demonstrate significant shifts in foraging behaviors and resource utilization patterns, reflecting strategic responses to the challenges and hazards posed by persistent warfare. By highlighting the adaptability of these communities in the face of warfare and environmental stressors, this research contributes valuable perspectives to the anthropological understanding of the interrelations between warfare and food systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spindle whorls are a kind of spinning tools of crucially important in prehistoric period. Haidai region is one of the main historical and cultural areas of prehistoric China, and had a relatively developed textile handicraft production, where a large number of spindle whorls were unearthed, including many decorated ones. In order to make clear the uses of the decorated spindle whorls and the meanings of the patterns on them, the data of prehistoric decorated spindle whorls unearthed in archaeological sites of the period from Beixin Culture to Yueshi Culture in Haidai region of China were collected and analyzed, and the morphological data (dimension and shapes) of them were compared with that of undecorated ones. The patterns on the decorated spindle whorls were analyzed and classified, and the characteristics of the patterns in different cultural periods were studied, and based on this, the purpose of making decorated spindle whorls and the function and meanings of the patterns were discussed. The results showed that the range of morphological data of the decorated spindle whorls in Haidai region is consistent with that of undecorated ones belonging to the same period and unearthed in the same site, while compared with undecorated spindle whorls, decorated ones are more affected by regional culture and thus show different features from the ones unearthed in other archaeological sites belonging to the same cultural period. It is concluded that the most basic function of the decorated spindle whorls should be as practical tools for normal spinning production, and the patterns on them should have multiple meanings such as practical, decorative, distinctive and symbolic. The study of decorated spindle whorls can help us understand the prehistoric regional culture in Haidai region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The site of San Valentino in San Vito al Tagliamento is one of the main urnfield cemeteries in northeastern Italy. Archaeological excavations carried out in the seventies brought to light a cremation cemetery consisting of mainly urn graves with pottery and metal artefacts as grave goods. These materials suggest that the individuals buried in San Valentino were not an isolated local community but had intense contacts with other north-Adriatic communities, in particular with the neighbouring Veneto area, as suggested by the close similarity of the biconical vessels with those recovered in the graves of Este. This paper provides the first osteological study of a preserved sample of individuals buried at San Valentino and uses an innovative multi-proxy approach to refine the chronology of the site through radiocarbon dating of bone apatite, investigate human mobility using strontium isotopes on calcined human remains, and reconstruct the funerary practices by combining FTIR-ATR data with carbon and oxygen isotope ratios on cremated bones. The results date the cemetery to the end of the Late Bronze Age and the Early Iron Age, with a sporadic occupation in the fourth century BC. Strontium isotopes and concentrations show the analysed individuals buried at San Valentino were a local community that exploited nearby food resources. Interestingly, variations in cremation conditions were detected between San Valentino and the contemporary sites of Velzeke, Blicquy, Grand Bois, and Herstal, located in Belgium, by using FTIR-ATR and carbon and oxygen isotope data. This multi-proxy approach applied to the study of cremated human remains can open new research possibilities, being potentially extendable to the study of many pre- and proto-historic and historic communities that practised cremation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid acquisition of millimeter‐resolution subterranean images can significantly improve the efficiency of archaeological excavation and facilitate the preservation of artifacts. For excavation sites with limited space, small and portable imaging equipment is necessary. Compton backscatter imaging (CBI) is a single‐sided non‐destructive testing technique, which typically requires a short scan time to obtain high‐resolution images. It has great potential in archaeological excavation, supporting archaeologists to make quick judgments. This research utilized a compact, easy‐to‐carry handheld backscatter system, making it particularly suitable and beneficial for on‐site archaeological excavation. Tests were performed in the framework of the excavation of a chariot pit at Dajuan Han Tomb in Xi'an (Shaanxi Province, China) to validate the applicability of this technique in imaging soil structure changes and detecting cultural artifacts. The experimental results show that CBI can clearly image bronze artifacts buried underground, which means practical value in archaeological excavation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents the results of mineralogical and geochemical analyses carried out on prehistoric pottery of Bukit Komel in Sungai Tembeling, Pahang. The Bukit Komel archaeological site, which was excavated in 2022, has produced a significant number of earthenware potteries mainly in the form of body and rim shards. Since information on the prehistory pottery of Sungai Tembeling is limited, it was decided that morphological and analytical techniques should be performed in order to gain insights on pottery physical characteristics, technology and source. The morphological analysis technique used on Bukit Komel pottery involves the study of pottery shape, size, colour and design while the scientific analysis comprises X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), thin section petrography and image analysis methods. Based on geochemical and mineralogical results, this study concludes that the Bukit Komel pottery was locally made by using clay sourced from Sungai Tembeling. This was also confirmed by the findings of comparative study conducted between the Bukit Komel pottery and clay extracted from Sungai Tembeling. Similar minerals found amidst the pottery and clay are quartz, albite, muscovite and microcline. Technology-wise, the Bukit Komel pottery was hand-made using the paddle and anvil technique, and sand-tempered. Pottery shapes include flat- and round-bottomed vessels with plain, red-slipped, impressed and incised designs. Based on colour analysis, the Bukit Komel pottery was very likely fired using the open-firing technique at low temperatures, perhaps between 400 °C and 600 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Shennong cultural zone refers to the human groups that live in the geographical space of Greater China and take farming culture as the core value system, encompassing their spiritual world. It reflects the inextricable relevance, inheritance and ecology of the local conditions and customs of innumerable links throughout history, characterized by auspicious culture representation with strong cohesion and sense of belonging. Tracing the spiritual origins of the Shennong cultural zone is crucial for deeply understanding the distinctive characteristics of Chinese civilization. Through the verification of molecular biological origins, the combination of archaeological site remains and artifacts, and the continuous narration in historical documents, it revealed that the Shennong cultural zone domesticated soybeans in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River. The domestication of soybeans by the Shennong cultural zone has accumulated Chinese cultural genes such as self-improvement, exploration and enterprise, perseverance, unity and struggle, agriculture-based society, and harmonious coexistence, shaping the unique national character of the Chinese nation and passing it down through the symbol of auspicious culture. Exploring the origins of soybeans domestication by the Shennong cultural zone is of great significance for tracing the roots of soybean-based culture, excavating the cultural genes of the Chinese nation, shaping the national spirit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

WELL-EXCAVATED CULT SITES ARE KEY to identifying and understanding changing ritual behaviour in the Christianisation period. Unfortunately, such sites are rare. Recent metal-detected finds near the hamlet of Hezingen (the Netherlands) prompted archaeological excavations that have brought to light the remains of a 7th-century open-air cult site possibly connected with immigrants. The site consisted of a row of posts and a large boulder situated in a clearing near an ancient road junction, on a prominent elevation in the landscape. Gold coins and jewellery were deposited there at regular intervals over a period of about 100 years. Based on the phosphate analysis, it is likely that animals were sacrificed there as well. Use of the site ceased around the year ad 700, at least half a century earlier than the formal Christianisation of the area. This could indicate that the local elite, with whom the site seems to have been associated, had become Christians at an earlier date, or had at least moved away from collective expressions of paganism. The cult site was probably linked to a nearby high-status settlement with an enclosed cult house or ceremonial building. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article delves into the contemporary social perception of the three abandoned Soviet Cold War tactical nuclear bases in Poland, focusing on often overlooked phenomena in archaeological studies such as the contemporary myths (folk tales, contemporary legends, modern folklore, etc.) and nostalgia that have emerged around these sites. While contemporary myths and nostalgia are distinct phenomena with different outcomes, they share a common feature: a mythologized approach to the past. Established historical and archaeological narratives, derived from detailed studies, often coexist with alternative versions of the past inspired by folk imagination. This article aims to highlight their cultural value as an integral part of local identity, actively shaping the perception of material heritage. Contemporary myths offer insight into another layer of collective perception of the past, while nostalgia delves into the emotional aspects of human existence, coping with transience and searching for meaning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zoroastrians are one of Iran's religious minorities, who managed to survive pressures and adversities during many centuries after the rise of Islam. Despite threats and dangers, this minority always tried to resist the pressures and maintain their identity and social cohesion with some measures. Aqda Cave is one of the examples of material culture left by the Zoroastrians, which can be very helpful for a better understanding of the preservation of their identity and social cohesion over time, a heritage that, based on the assessment of social values, can be effective in the sense of identity, sense of place and sense of belonging of this community. The presentation and preservation of this cultural heritage with the help of Zoroastrians will provide a foundation to acknowledge their rights and construct a respectful character for this minority group. Consequently, the preservation of this heritage could be an attempt to respect cultural diversity, heritage rights and equity as the factors of inclusive social development and world peace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]