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The exchange of information and social interactions on broad spatial scales between human groups in the past can be studied through the provenance of key indicators of distant origin recorded at archaeological sites. The remains of shells of mollusk species, especially when crafted as elements of personal ornaments, express aspects of the behaviors and valuations for the populations that selected, transformed, and exchanged such items. In the southern cone of South America, past hunter-gatherer groups traveled long distances and interacted with communities distributed throughout the territory to acquire goods for technological use, visual display or considered highly valued materials. When recorded at distant locations, these goods of extra local origin are very informative regarding the differences between commonly used home ranges and the occasional access to remote spaces. We present the results of the analysis of the archaeomalacological assemblage of the Baño Nuevo 1 site, a cave with exceptional preservation conditions in Central West Patagonia. This site has yielded a diverse group of artifacts made of shells with origins from multiple distances, as well as evidence of the use of marine, freshwater, and terrestrial species. Its deposits, which extend over the last 11,000 years, reveal an antiquity of at least the middle Holocene for the acquisition, manufacture, use and transport of goods as personal ornaments from shells in the macroregion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New archaeointensity results from the Indian archaeological excavation at the historical Harappa Rakhigarhi site, India, dating from the third millennium BC, are reported. Fifteen samples from nine potsherd fragments were collected and subjected to the IZZI Thellier palaeointensity method. Detailed rock magnetic measurements were performed on representative potsherds. Rock magnetic properties indicate that magnetite is the dominant carrier of remanent magnetization. Archaeointensity values range from 23.65 ± 1.23 µT to 41.22 ± 1.82 µT (mean 32.64 ± 0.81 µT), while corresponding virtual axial dipole movements range from 5.06 to 10.60 x 1022 Am² (mean 8.11 x 1022 Am²). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice (Oryza sativa) serves as a staple food for more than one-third of the global population. However, its journey from a wild gathered food to domestication remains enigmatic, sparking ongoing debates in the biological and anthropological fields. Here, we present evidence of rice phytoliths sampled from two archaeological sites in China, Shangshan and Hehuashan, near the lower reaches of the Yangtze River. We demonstrate the growth of wild rice at least 100,000 years before present, its initial exploitation as a gathered resource at about 24,000 years before present, its predomestication cultivation at about 13,000 years before present, and eventually its domestication at about 11,000 years before present. These developmental stages illuminate a protracted process of rice domestication in East Asia and extend the continuous records of cereal evolution beyond the Fertile Crescent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the field of botany applied to archaeological and palaeoecological studies, the multi- and inter-disciplinary nature of this research produces a lack of data sharing and scattered articles in the specialty literature or in national and international journals. The vast production of archaeobotany and palynology data makes it necessary to develop a tool for the availability, accessibility, and dissemination of existing research. Many databases exist on palaeoecology, archaeobotany or pollen data. There are no collections focused on archaeological sites and human-induced environments and centred on Southern Europe and the Mediterranean. BRAIN - Botanical Records of Archaeobotany Italian Network is the first database listing sites from which all types of plant records are available in Italy and nearby Mediterranean regions. BRAIN represents the largest integrated collection of archaeo/palaeo-botanical data and a range of descriptive information that makes data recovery FAIR ready. This unique network hosts data on the availability of anthropogenic pollen, palynomorphs and plant macroremains in the same database, and experts of different research fields may contribute to it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Cuadernos del Centro de Estudios de Diseño y Comunicación is the property of Cuadernos del Centro de Estudios de Diseno y Comunicacion 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.)

Northeast China played an irreplaceable role in population migrations and cultural exchanges in East Asia during the Paleolithic. This paper collected 182 archaeological sites to analyse the characteristics of spatial-temporal variations of Paleolithic human activities in Northeast China, and explored the driving mechanisms behind these variations in combination with the paleoenvironmental and archaeological studies. During the Lower Paleolithic, constrained by the relatively cold-dry climate and blocked by the Songnen paleo-lake basin, the population was sparse and distributed only near 40° N at the southern end of Northeast China. Upon entering the Middle Paleolithic, as humans developed greater tolerance to cold climates and adopted more sophisticated survival strategies with the application of small lithic tools, their numbers increased and geographical distribution expanded northward to 45° N at the central region of Northeast China. The Upper Paleolithic saw a considerable increase in population and expansion across almost all of Northeast China except for the eastern Inner Mongolia Plateau. We speculated that 50 ka and 30 ka BP were two key points, both of which may be associated with a significant increase in the frequency of migrations and communications among humans, and the widespread popularity of highly mobile microblade technology, respectively. In addition, the environmental analysis of archaeological sites revealed a continuous spread of Paleolithic humans to areas with higher elevations, steeper slopes, and lower temperatures. Meanwhile, they were becoming less reliant on water resources and were more widely conducting activities in open-air areas, showing that the environmental adaptability had been continuously improving over time. This study can provide a reference for the reconstruction of the migration history of early humans in East Asia, and is also of great significance for a comprehensive understanding of the evolutionary process of early human-environment interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The situation of depopulation that rural Spain has been experiencing for more than half a century has led to the progressive abandonment and loss of traditional architecture in agroforestry environments. In the current context, where sustainability criteria set a paradigm, the rescue and reuse of these traditional constructions (farmhouses, farmhouses, inns, corrals, etc.) represents in itself a sustainable action. Implementing low environmental impact and economically viable architectural solutions that contribute to the revitalisation of rural heritage is a very good opportunity to develop and apply new methodologies and materials in sustainable construction processes and systems, as set out in the European Green Pact and, specifically, in the European Bioeconomy Strategy and the Energy Efficiency Directive. Under these principles, this work proposes an intervention methodology that allows the integration of the pre-existing architecture with prefabricated elements made of wood and cork as ecological materials. As an example of the application of this methodology, the intervention for the rehabilitation of a rural building in ruins is presented in order to be used for public use, specifically as an interpretation centre for an Iberian archaeological site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Precolumbian Maya graffiti is challenging to document because it is complex, multilayered, and difficult to see with the naked eye. In the Maya Lowlands, precolumbian graffiti occurs as etched palimpsests on parts of substructures such as stucco walls of residences, palaces, and temples that are frequently only accessible through dark and narrow tunnel excavations. Experienced iconographers or epigraphers with advanced drawing skills are the most qualified researchers to accurately record, analyze, and interpret precolumbian Maya graffiti. Because these scholars have a vast knowledge of conventions and styles from multiple time periods and sites, they are less likely to document the complex and seemingly chaotic incisions incorrectly. But as with many specialists in Maya archaeology, iconographers and epigraphers are not always available to collaborate in the field. This raises the question, how might an archaeologist without advanced training in iconography accurately record graffiti in subterranean excavations? Advances in digital applications of archaeological field recording have opened new avenues for documenting graffiti. One of these is Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI), a method that uses a moving light source and photography in order to visualize, interact with, and analyze a three-dimensional object in a two-dimensional image. With practice, RTI images can easily be produced in the field and later shared with specialists for the purposes of analysis and interpretation. Performed on a series of 20 unique graffiti from the Maya archaeological site of Holtun (two examples are presented here), RTI shows promise as a viable technique for documenting and preserving graffiti as cultural heritage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Archaeologists frequently use written guidelines such as site manuals, recording forms, and digital prompts during excavations to create usable data within and across projects. Most written guidelines emphasize creating either standardized datasets or narrative summaries; however, previous research has demonstrated that the resulting datasets are often difficult to (re)use. Our study analyzed observations and interviews conducted with four archaeological excavation teams, as well as interviews with archaeological data reusers, to evaluate how archaeologists use and implement written guidelines. These excavation team and reuser experiences suggest that archaeologists need more specific best practices to create and implement written guidelines that improve the quality and usability of archaeological data. We present recommendations to improve written guidelines that focus on a project's methods, end-of-season documentation, and naming practices. We also present a Written Guidelines Checklist to help project directors improve their written guidelines before, during, and after fieldwork as part of a collaborative process. Ideally, these best practices for written guidelines will make it easier for team members and future reusers to incorporate their own and others' archaeological data into their research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a new estimate of the Epiclassic chronological interval (6th to 9th centuries) is proposed for the archaeological site of San José de Los Ranchos, located in Los Altos de Jalisco, near the city of Lagos de Moreno. This site is part of the cultural space of the western Mexico. The date was obtained through an archaeomagnetic analysis of ceramic materials from a cist-type tomb found at old hacienda located in the foothills of the Sierra Alta, next to the valley of the Lagos River. This archaeological site is a settlement of farmers, possibly linked to neighboring sites such as El Cerrito in the town of El Cuarenta; Los Cerritos in Lagos de Moreno and El Cóporo in the neighboring state of Guanajuato. The materials recovered in the tomb, consisting of pottery, shell beads and miniature zoomorphic and anthropomorphic figurines. The new periodization allows us to date the beginning of the Mesoamerican occupation of the Lagos River valley from the 6th century, in addition to dates obtained by previous investigations. In this way, it can be established that the villages in the valley date from the end of the Mesoamerican classic period, with its peak in the epiclassic era and possibly concluding at the beginning of the postclassic period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article focuses on the archaeological site known as Presa de la Luz (600 AD - 1000 AD), located in Jalisco, Mexico. The site is distinguished by the presence of a variety of graphic-rock manifestations (GRMs), both on the surface and beneath it. Human activities have been continuous and evident, resulting in significant alterations to the archaeological remains. This environment offers a rich setting for archaeological studies aimed at understanding the social and cultural dynamics of the region. While previous research has primarily focused on documentation and description, there has been little in-depth exploration into the interpretation of the use and functionality of these manifestations in the past. Therefore, the research objective was to analyze the GRMs at the site as indicators of spatial appropriation and to determine their use and functionality through a multidisciplinary methodology. This approach incorporated data from material records, natural elements, and chemical analyses. As a result, starch granules were identified in grinding stones and pocitos (which exhibit characteristics of permanence), particularly those of corn and beans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The archaeological zone of Izapa was an important pre-Hispanic settlement of probable Mixe-Zoque affiliation in the Soconusco region, southeast of the current state of Chiapas, whose occupational sequence extended from the Early Preclassic (1800 BC) to the Early Postclassic (1200 AD). Throughout its long habitation, various population movements occurred within the settlement. During the Classic period, in the complex known as Group F, of which only 2.88 ha are currently protected, monumental structures were built that integrated a civic-ritual compound. Previous research identified a prolonged constructive sequence, specifically in the main pyramid (Structure 125-A). To identify possible construction moments prior to those currently appreciated and determine the state of conservation of some of its monumental structures, a geophysical survey was carried out by means of georadar and electrical resistivity tomography techniques in various areas of Group F. Through these, it was possible to detect several anomalies that can be interpreted as archaeological structures, including platforms, channels and walls. Some of these elements were verified by archaeological excavations. The different depths at which these possible structures are located speak of a prolonged occupation of Group F, with various modifications to its architectural configuration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemical characterization of materials recovered from archaeological sites has been used to relate artifacts to their respective sources of raw material. For this, conventional methods of classical statistics are commonly used, such as bivariate graphs, cluster analysis and linear data transformations. Those who have applied these methods claim to have a high degree of confidence in the correct assignment of materials to their respective sources. However, if empirical data deviate from theoretical assumptions, classical statistical techniques can produce incorrect assignments. In this paper, we propose a semi-supervised learning procedure using clustering and classification based on models of mixtures of multivariate asymmetric exponential power distributions. The objective is to trace the origin and provenance of obsidian archaeological materials from the archaeological zone of Izapa, Chiapas, significantly optimizing the result of the correct allocation of unlabeled data by employing only limited supervision in the form of labeled instances. The effectiveness of the proposed method was evaluated by a controlled experiment using data from a set of geological samples from obsidian deposits. Subsequently, the method was applied to analyze a set of obsidian artifacts collected in excavations within Izapa dated for the Classic period. In both cases, well-defined classifications were obtained that, in the case of Izapa, allowed to determine the consumption of materials from Guatemalan sources, as well as some relationship with sources from western and central Mexico. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a study of 52 metallic artifacts made of gold and copper from the archaeological sites of Tamtoc and Rancho Aserradero, both located in the Huastec region of San Luis Potosí, Mexico. These objects served both utilitarian (e.g., needles, fish hooks, and axes) and ornamental (e.g., rings, beads, and bells) purposes. The objective of this paper is to provide a detailed description of the artifacts, present the results of an elemental, non-invasive, and non-destructive in situ analysis performed using X-ray fluorescence, reconstruct the manufacturing processes, and compare these findings with similar objects from other contemporary Mesoamerican regions. This research generated new data and knowledge about the use of metals and alloys in the Huastec region, the technological and cultural decisions behind the creation of these objects, and the exchange networks that facilitated their distribution. The examination of the 52 pieces revealed significant diversity in morphology and elemental composition, which limited the cultural interpretations due to the small sample size. Nevertheless, our results indicate that the studied sites were part of an extensive exchange network with access to metallic objects from the central and western regions of Mesoamerica, as well as Oaxaca and/or Central America. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This exploratory study aims at reconstructing human paleodiets and that of camelids—their staple animal resource—in El Bolsón, an Andean valley in Catamarca Province, NW Argentina, as a way of exploring variations in the strategies and patterns of food procurement, production, preparation, and consumption by local agricultural‐pastoralist societies over the last 1500 years. We present the first systematically obtained data on carbon (13C/12C) and nitrogen (15N/14N) isotopic relationships as measured on camelid and human bone collagen. They come from five camelid individuals from Los Viscos archaeological site, dating to the last 1200 years, and from six human individuals from archaeological rescues and isolated finds bracketed between at least ca. 1300 cal CE and ca. 500 cal CE, as no other human samples are available in the study area. The results suggest that camelids consumed predominantly locally available C3 pastures, while the human paleodiet was primarily based on C4 plants, with camelid protein not being central to it. Here, we discuss how local productive strategies would have played a part in the selective diet of the human inhabitants and interpret this picture in the context of the larger area comprising the Andean valleys of NW Argentina. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The field of archaeological excavation has seen enormous developments as a result of the quick development of digital technologies. It is critical to acknowledge the long-term benefits of new approaches. In this regard, this study intends to suggest a system that provides archaeologists with digital tools that allow them to fully and effectively document their excavations in real time while in the field, which is specifically designed for classical and Byzantine archaeology. The system not only facilitates traditional documentation practices but also integrates advanced geospatial technologies and augmented reality, enhancing the accuracy and depth of archaeological research and preservation. This dual functionality enables both the efficient recording of excavation data as experienced by excavators on-site and the detailed documentation processed by researchers post-excavation. The objective of the application is to generate a sophisticated system that will enable the excavation data and experience that the excavator gains on the site of work to be recorded in real time, as well as the documentation that is subsequently processed and accomplished by the researcher or by other researchers. The system saves detailed images and 3D models of artifacts and excavation sites. This ensures that every detail is recorded while preserving the data for future analysis and reference. Lastly, the application was tested in realistic use case scenarios and real-world settings, which increased the system's credibility and demonstrated its capability to enhance the procedures involved in archaeological excavation and documentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work reports the study of metal fragments from Roman pipes excavated from the archaeological site of Pompeii and currently preserved in the deposits of the National Archaeological Museum of Naples (MANN). The Roman pipe, called the tibia, is a reed wind musical instrument similar to the Greek aulos. It can be made of wood, bone, and/or metal. Materials consisting of metal Cu-based alloys were excavated from archaeological burial environments. This research aims to identify the composition of the alloys, characterize the corrosion patinas, and identify any ancient surface treatments on the fragments. Non-invasive and micro-invasive techniques were used to achieve this aim, i.e., optical microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive spectrometry. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the materials and manufacturing techniques used for these instruments, as well as the degradation processes occurring over the centuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ceramic sherds from approximately 20 samples of lead-glazed tableware, recovered from diverse archaeological sites, including three repurposed storage pits transformed into dumpsters within the medieval city of Santarém (13th–14th century), underwent a meticulous examination. This investigation utilised techniques such as micro-Raman, ground-state diffuse reflectance absorption, and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopies, in addition to X-ray diffraction and stereomicroscopy. A parallel study was conducted on contemporaneous European ceramics (glazed sherds) sourced from archaeological sites dating back to the 13th–15th centuries in Saintonge (France), Ardenne, Zomergem, and Bruges (Belgium), as well as Surrey–Hampshire, Kingston, and Cheam (England). The first premise for comparing the Santarem samples with European production locations was their frequent commercial relations with Portugal and the frequency of these productions being found in Portugal. The colour of the ceramic bodies is predominantly white or whitish, with a few exhibiting a vivid red hue. Analyses of the fabric, mineralogical, and elemental composition of the sherds suggest that the majority of Santarém's glazed ceramics were locally or regionally produced, potentially derived from a Pliocene kaolin-rich sand formation. However, this conclusion is not supported by the absence of discovered lead glaze kilns or workshops in Santarém for the late Middle Ages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Archaeological sites constitute one of the main tourist attractions in the heritage offerings of most populations. Their ability to convey the ways of life and construction techniques of past societies through physical remains positions them as a culturally significant alternative for visitors. However, their physical conservation, essential for efficiently ensuring information with precision, poses a serious challenge for the various professionals involved, as numerous social and anthropic risks threaten long-term preservation for the enjoyment of future generations. Of all traditional building materials, earth is undoubtedly one of the most fragile and sensitive to loss in the absence of the original protection systems, so that a precise assessment of its threats is essential to minimizing the destruction of these non-renewable assets. The objective of this study is to evaluate the most determining human risk factors within the territorial scope of the Iberian Peninsula, including aspects such as its musealization, suitable interpretation, visit planning, agricultural land use, vandalism and rural depopulation. This is achieved through a literature review and on-site data collection from 85 archaeological sites, as well as the development of an analysis tool to assess the degree of vulnerability, aiming to develop prevention measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores dance improvisation as an alternative mode of understanding the archaeological heritage site beyond representational knowledge. Drawing on projects undertaken on Liangzhu Archaeological Site over the past five years (2018–2023), we have employed dance improvisation as a method for participants to explore here and now interactions with the heritage site, focusing on their sensing, feeling and thinking. Using an A/r/tography methodology, this study considers how intersections of art-making and writing allow new meanings and bodily interpretation to emerge during the improvisation process. Participant reflection notes reveal how embodied encounters create space for rhizomatic interpretations of the archaeological site, transcending power dynamics embedded in existing politically-sacred and archaeologically-authoritative knowledge systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The last two decades witnessed increasing scholarly interest in the history of water management in southern Mesopotamia. Thanks to many geoarchaeological research projects conducted throughout the central and southern Iraqi floodplains, a general understanding of the macrophases of anthropogenic manipulation of this vast hydraulic landscape has been achieved. However, current narratives mostly rely on studies at a regional scale and are based on excessively long chronological phases (often spanning a whole millennium). A finer‐tuned analysis at a submillennial scale is needed to better appreciate the dynamics that led to the development of artificial canals and irrigation systems and the creation of harbours in cities and other navigation‐related facilities. The Iraqi‐Italian QADIS project is addressing this issue through a systematic geoarchaeological investigation in the south‐eastern area of the Qadisiyah province. We aim to update the current narrative by analysing case studies involving specific periods of occupation. We performed 17 boreholes to propose a date on the functioning period of the hydraulic works in five selected archaeological sites of this region. This approach allowed us to understand changes in water management strategies in both the short and the medium term (i.e., on a scale of centuries). In this paper, we present the results for the fourth and third millennia B.C.E. This period witnessed a crucial passage from the basic exploitation of natural watercourses for irrigation and occasional navigation to the emergence of the first system of artificial canals and intraurban harbours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Archaeological Site of Panama Viejo (Panama) comprises a protected area of 28 km2 within present‐day Panama City, on America's Pacific coast. In 1519, the Spaniards founded the city of Panama Viejo to secure a natural port in an area inhabited by indigenous peoples since at least the eighth century CE. The site, along the coastline and between two rivers, became a principal gateway for goods and people travelling between Europe and Pacific settlements to the east (Realejo) and the west (Trujillo, Lima, Arica). Within one century, however, Panama Viejo's natural port and freshwater infrastructure collapsed, leading to the city's relocation after corsairs attacked it in 1671. This study combines archaeological, geographical and historical analyses to explain how and why human interactions with the local environment made the settlement increasingly untenable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Morgado Superior Rock Shelter is located near the city of Tomar, in Central Portugal. This site presents important funerary contexts that according to published information encompass the Neolithic, Chalcolithic and Bronze Age. Other non-funerary uses have not yet been characterised but were briefly suggested. A faunal sample of the 1988 and 2012 interventions is analysed from a zooarchaeological and taphonomical perspective, focusing on the leporid remains that largely dominate the assemblage. Clear indicators of a human origin are absent, while a configurational approach allows the description of exogenous and intrusive origins. The characteristics of the registered consumption taphonomical indicators are suggestive of scat and non-ingested accumulation by foxes. Furthermore, this study allows us to discuss some aspects of the formation of the stratigraphy of this important cave necropolis, while also serving as an example of the expected results of foxes' action on leporid remains in an archaeological site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Amber is a material of great social value that has been identified at various archaeological sites on the Iberian peninsula dating to Late Antiquity. The objects, mostly necklace beads, have been discussed to date with limited results in relation to a small number of studies. This article presents the characterization by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) of 52 amber beads from four Late Antique necropolises in the province of Granada (south‐eastern Iberian peninsula): Cortijo del Chopo (Colomera), El Castillón (Montefrío), Marugán (Atarfe) and Fuente Santa (Loja). The results obtained demonstrate the Baltic origin of the amber at these sites and advance our knowledge of this type of product in Hispanic Late Antique funerary contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This paper sets out new recommendations for recording structural iron nails. Despite their ubiquity, iron nails have received limited analytical and interpretative attention and recording practices are highly variable. Too often current recording is time‐consuming and costly without providing meaningful information. This paper proposes a new recording methodology, developed through analysis of the Roman structural nail assemblage from the MHI A14 Cambridge‐Huntingdon excavations alongside experiments in nail shaping, with wider context provided by medieval and post‐medieval assemblages from the City of London. This approach includes a new nail typology, recommendations for bulk recording of basic details for whole assemblages (using counts and typologies), alongside detailed recording (shank morphology and further metric data) for certain nail groups. Shank morphology is a particularly important aspect proposed here, being indicative of how nails were used in antiquity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Hazard zone methodology: The paper employs a hazard zone methodology, typically used for managing erosion risk to modern infrastructure, to assess and manage the risk to coastal archaeological heritage. • Coastal archaeological heritage at risk: Coastal archaeological heritage in Aotearoa/New Zealand is under threat from coastal erosion, with accelerated risk due to rising sea levels. • Projected sea-level rise impact: The study predicts that a relatively modest 20 cm of sea-level rise, expected by 2040, may put around 8 % (155) of coastal archaeological sites at risk, and a more significant 1 m of sea-level rise could threaten approximately 19 % (356) of sites. • Connection to indigenous communities: The coastal archaeological heritage is closely tied to Māori, the indigenous ancestral communities of Aotearoa/New Zealand. • Adaptive planning pathways: Scenarios are presented to assist stakeholders in assessing heritage risk, providing an opportunity for coastal managers to incorporate heritage considerations into adaptive planning pathways. Coastal archaeological heritage is in danger of being lost to coastal erosion, the risk of which is amplified by accelerating sea-level rise (SLR). In Aotearoa/New Zealand, coastal archaeological heritage is closely associated with indigenous ancestral communities, but our understanding of the spatiotemporal variability in coastal erosion risk for cultural heritage is limited. Coastal erosion hazard zones have typically been implemented to manage erosion risk to modern infrastructure at regional scales. In this study, we applied a hazard zone methodology in the context of coastal archaeological heritage for a selected region of Aotearoa (Te Tai Tokerau/Northland). Historical coastal change analyses reveal that most beaches in the region have been stable or slightly accretionary over the past ∼80 years, but a reversal of this trend is likely under the projected SLR, which is expressed in the coastal erosion hazard zones. Our analyses indicate that ∼8 % (155) of coastal archaeological sites in Te Tai Tokerau/Northland may be at risk of erosion with a relatively modest 20 cm of SLR, which is expected for the region by 2040, and ∼19 % (356) of sites are threatened by 1 m of SLR. Scenarios are presented that should assist a broad range of stakeholders to assess heritage risk and provide an opportunity for coastal managers to include heritage within adaptive planning pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disturbances in tropical forests can have long‐lasting ecological impacts, but their manifestations (ecological legacies) in modern forests are uncertain. Many Amazonian forests bear the mark of past soil modifications, species enrichments, and fire events, but the trajectories of ecological legacies from the pre‐contact or post‐colonial period remain relatively unexplored. We assessed the fire and vegetation history from 15 soil cores ranging from 0 to 10 km from a post‐colonial Surinamese archaeological site. We show that (1) fires occurred from 96 bc to recent times and induced significant vegetation change, (2) persistent ecological legacies from pre‐contact and post‐colonial fire and deforestation practices were mainly within 1 km of the archaeological site, and (3) palm enrichment of Attalea, Oenocarpus and Astrocaryum occurred within 0, 1, and 8 km of the archaeological site, respectively. Our results challenge the notion of spatially extensive and persistent ecological legacies. Instead, our data indicate that the persistence and extent of ecological legacies are dependent on their timing, frequency, type, and intensity. Examining the mechanisms and manifestations of ecological legacies is crucial in assessing forest resilience and Indigenous and local land rights in the highly threatened Amazonian forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Salford Twist Mill of 1799–1801 has attracted much attention as a pioneering example of an iron-framed building, the first textile mill in England to have benefited from steam heating and one of the earliest buildings in the world to have been permanently lit by gas. Aspects of the mill's development have been debated since its destruction in the mid-20th century, although several points of contention were clarified during an archaeological excavation and associated research conducted by the University of Salford in 2016–17. In particular, fragments of structural ironwork recovered from demolition layers yielded fresh evidence for the building's internal cast-iron frame, and excavation of the engine room enabled details of the power-transmission system to be elucidated. Whilst this article necessarily recites earlier work, it combines the key findings from the recent investigation with a review of previous studies to provide a definitive account of one of the first iron-framed mills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For much of the 20th century, Royal Doulton was one the major producers of china and earthenware in the UK, most of which was manufactured at the Royal Doulton Potteries in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent. Following the closure and demolition of this iconic works in the early 21st century, an archaeological excavation was undertaken in advance of redevelopment. This included the recording of the remains of an unusually large and enigmatic annular kiln that formed an integral element of the mid-20th-century works. Historical research combined with the archaeological work concluded that it was a massive gas-fired Woodall-Duckham tunnel kiln used for the continuous firing of both earthenware and bone china, representing a ground-breaking approach to the production of pottery during this period. This article presents the results of the excavation and historical research, and highlights how the kiln integrated many of the technological developments that were occurring in the wider pottery industry during the inter-war years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2021, Swansea University commissioned Black Mountains Archaeology Ltd to undertake a community archaeological excavation as part of a National Lottery Heritage Funded activity plan. The excavation was undertaken on the site of the former Hafod Plate Rolling Mill in Swansea, South Wales, UK, within which copper plates intended for both national and international shipment were produced between 1910 and 1980. The rolling mill represented one of the largest structures within the Lower Swansea Valley — also known as 'Copperopolis'. Moreover, the mill formed part of the Hafod (and later Hafod-Morfa) Copperworks — one of the largest copper production sites in the world at the time. Within this article, the results of the 2021 excavation will be detailed. During the excavation, features associated with steam power supply, annealing, pickling and finishing were recorded. By comparing the excavation results with available cartographic and documentary evidence of the copperworks, this article outlines a detailed picture of the operations once conducted within the rolling mill, therefore bringing the mill back to life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Megalithism in Sardinia (Italy) had its highest expression during the Bronze Age with the creation of monumental complexes known as Nuraghes. These unique monuments have recently been the subject of in-depth investigations for their potential to be recognized as World Heritage Sites (by UNESCO). The main purpose of our research was to make a contribution to obtain a more in-depth characterization of these monuments by testing a 3D model of a complex Nuraghe, integrated with an analysis of the geolithological context. This work first focused on the geological and typological investigation of the materials used in its construction, which was then compared with the geolithological characteristics of the region. A survey of the outcropping remains was carried out by means of Structure-from-Motion Multi-View Stereo (SfM-MVS) photogrammetry with UAV ground and aerial acquisition using APS-C photo sensors, georeferenced with an RTK-GNSS ground survey. The level of accuracy of our digital models shows the potential of the proposed method, giving accurate and geometrically consistent 3D reconstructions in terms of georeferencing error, shape and surface. The survey method allows for the virtualization of the current state of conservation of the Nuraghe, giving a solid basis to set up further (future) archaeological excavations and to contribute to knowledge on the architecture of the structures. This study also provides useful information on the nature and origin of the construction materials and proposes a hypothesis on the original dimensions of the monument, which is often a topic of debate in the world of archaeology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 2017 salvage excavation conducted at the site of Lajjun within Kibbutz Megiddo, Israel, revealed layers of refuse, primarily ceramics, constituting a household midden with finds indicating a 12th-century date and a Frankish cultural affinity. The midden can be associated with the occupation of the ancient settlement of Lajjun by Frankish settlers intermittently in the 12th and 13th centuries c.e. , representing a first archaeological window into the Frankish activity at the site and complementing the historical data on the village known from Crusader sources as Le Lyon (Lajjun). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the significance of the Temple of Bel in the history of Palmyra, highlighting key aspects of its design and development. It reviews the measures taken by the archaeological authorities during the French Mandate (1920–1946) to manage and conserve the monument, such as relocating the local community outside the archaeological site far from the sanctuary and the implementation of repairs to the cella. Finally, it discusses the damage wrought by ISIS in 2015 to Palmyra, which included the partial destruction of the temple using explosives, and revisits the work of the specialists who examined this structure after it was destroyed. In order to preserve Palmyra's cultural legacy, the relevance of the cella's future conservation needs as a priority are underscored, not simply for the World Heritage Site, but within the wider context of Syria and the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, the authors present the salient archaeological results of a diachronic, interdisciplinary research project on rural settlement and land use in a region of low mountains in southern Germany. Despite clear locational disadvantages, in particular great distances to drinking water sources, archaeological excavations and an extensive dating programme document an unexpectedly long continuity of prehistoric settlement in the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rescue archeological excavations at the multicultural site of Tarnyane, Vidin district, Northwest Bulgaria, conducted in 2020–2021 uncovered evidence that the site was inhabited during the Early Bronze Age (EBA), Middle Bronze Age (MBA), Late Iron Age, and the Middle Ages. This article provides an overview of the main archaeological features uncovered during the excavations, along with the first results from anthropological, archaeozoological and geoarchaeological analyses. During the excavations, remains of an Early Bronze Age and Late Middle Ages settlements were studied, as were three necropolises: one from the Early Bronze Age, one from the Middle Bronze Age, and one from the Late Middle Ages. The archaeological site near Tarnyane has shed new important light on the development of the settlement patterns and burial practices during the Bronze Age and Late Middle Ages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prehistoric and historic iron metallurgy in the Holy Cross Mountains in central Poland developed along with human Przeworsk Culture activity (during the Roman period) and within the boundaries of the Old-Polish Industrial District (OPID) during the Middle Ages and during recent centuries. At the Świślina catchment, there are many archaeological sites showing intense prehistoric metallurgical activity. The later medieval and modern iron industry was significantly smaller. At the Doły Biskupie site, slags and microscopic iron spherules (hammerscales) were found in alluvia. The microscopic spherules separation method (MSS) enabled analysis of these small artefacts created during iron ore smelting and forging. Iron spherules were detected in floodplain sediments, which are characterized by increased content of trace elements. The presence of these artefacts in shallow sediment layers in the confluence section of the river may be an indicator of archaeologically confirmed prehistoric metallurgical activity in the catchment area. Study of these residues enabled an attempt to reconstruct the river valley environment during the prehistoric and historical period. The MSS method can be used to detect iron spherules in alluvia in other river catchments, confirming the presence of yet-undiscovered bloomery sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article provides a critical review of the results of the Asuka Historical Museum's excavation of the Asukadera wooden pagoda site in Japan since 2015, and its implications for Buddhist cultural exchange in East Asia. The second section examines the Asuka Historical Museum's categorization and scientific analysis of the beads, pearls, horse gear, earrings, gold and silver artifacts, mica, and śarīra containers. We assert that most objects excavated from the Asukadera wooden pagoda site are relics from the Asuka era (538–710), when the pagoda was first established in 593, and only a limited number of artifacts, such as the śarīra [relics] container, were added after the wooden pagoda was burned down in 1196. The third section compares the archeological remains from the Asukadera wooden pagoda site and the reliquary objects from the Paekche Wanghŭng-sa site (577) and Mirŭk-sa site (639), which have been conventionally considered to be its models. What the relics from these three historical sites have in common is that they include clothing accessories nobles wore as they participated in the Buddhist rituals of enshrining the śarīra in a wooden pagoda. However, some differences in the metallic craft items, such as crowns and belts, were still found between Paekche and Japan, which was due to the difference in costume styles in the respective countries at the time. Also, horse gear and lamellar armor unearthed from Asukadera sites was not found in Paekche temple sites, but is similar to earlier Japanese kofun (megalithic tumuli) grave goods, which provides evidence that as Buddhism was transferred to Japan from Paekche, it was not accepted in completely the same form. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Revista del Museo de Antropología is the property of Museo de Antropologia - IDACOR 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.)

Copyright of Revista del Museo de Antropología is the property of Museo de Antropologia - IDACOR 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.)

Copyright of Revista del Museo de Antropología is the property of Museo de Antropologia - IDACOR 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.)

Copyright of Revista del Museo de Antropología is the property of Museo de Antropologia - IDACOR 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.)

Copyright of Revista del Museo de Antropología is the property of Museo de Antropologia - IDACOR 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.)

Copyright of Revista del Museo de Antropología is the property of Museo de Antropologia - IDACOR 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.)

Copyright of Revista del Museo de Antropología is the property of Museo de Antropologia - IDACOR 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.)