Recent PublIcatIons from the Lab's work
Synchrotron computed tomography
This article highlights the use of synchrotron X-ray computed tomography (SXCT) in examining the production technology of two faience beads dating to 3000 BCE (5000 BP). Through one blue and one green colored sample, we discuss the competence of the ID10-BEATS beamline at SESAME (Jordan) for non-invasive analysis of archaeological objects. We present different protocols for the examination of silica-based objects with sub-cm size using SXCT. The results validate the cementation technique for the production of tiny beads (≤ 1 cm). The application of high-resolution 3D imaging, in combination with X-ray phase-contrast enhancement, allows for the non-invasive characterization of faience production, which opens a venue for broader discussions on ancient technology and technological knowledge transfer among ancient communities in Southwest Asia.
Synchrotron computed tomography
The analysis of archaeological objects poses a set of challenges related to the fragility and uniqueness of the material and requires special non-invasive techniques. This article presents applications of Synchrotron X-ray Computed Tomography (SXCT) on archaeological vitreous materials, namely glass, faience, and Egyptian blue. Using five different case studies, we provide protocols developed at the beamline ID10-BEATS of SESAME (Jordan) to understand raw material, production, and degradation of vitreous assemblages from sub-mm to several cm in size. The use of high-resolution 3-dimensional X-ray imaging combined with phase-contrast generation allows to identify and differentiate ancient faience and pigment production technologies, quantify the severity and microstructure of glass corrosion, and assess the fracture and mechanical fragility of large artifacts and assemblies such as mosaics. The combination of SXCT with synchrotron X-ray fluorescence mapping and X-ray absorption near edge structure allows to examine complementary structural and chemical data of unique examples of the Southwest Asian cultural heritage. The availability of a SXCT facility at the heart of Southwest Asia facilitates and enhances the non-destructive examination and conservation of ancient vitreous materials of the region, proving the relevance of the technique for archaeologists, museums, and cultural heritage specialists.
THIN SECTION PETROGRAPHY
This paper presents the results of chemical and petrographic investigations on the late chalcolithic (ca. 3700–3300 BCE) pottery from the Burdur Lake region in southwest Anatolia (Türkiye). Twenty-one ceramic sherds and a clay lump from four different levels of the late chalcolithic site of Kuruçay Höyük (Burdur) were examined with thin section petrography, XRF, and XRD to illuminate the element and mineral compositions of the ceramics. The chemical compositions and their statistical evaluation demonstrate the continuous use of at least two local clay sources within each different phase of the late chalcolithic. While sources stay the same, petrographic thin section analysis implies a change in the clay preparation techniques. This is visible via the homogeneity of the clay matrix and the existence of shell and lithic inclusions in the paste. About the end of the late chalcolithic period, clay preparation appears to be enhanced conceivably with the changing technological setting of the period toward the early bronze age.
LAND COVER CHANGE MODELING
Land use in archaeological societies has important consequences for ecosystemic changes in the long-term, which directly affect the sustainability of the economy and socio-political organization. In the Near East; socio-political organization, mode of production, and land use patterns diversified spatio-temporally during the Early Bronze Age-I (ca. 5100–4700 cal. BP) when socially complex entities emerged across the region. During this transformative phase, Anatolia witnessed polities of varying levels of organization and modes of subsistence, all of which translate into diverse land use patterns. This research focuses on the results of agent-based modeling to simulate the long-term impacts of land use/land cover change at two major Early Bronze Age sites; Arslantepe (ca. 5100–4700 cal. BP) in Eastern Anatolia and Hacılar Büyük Höyük (ca. 5100–4900 cal. BP) in Southwest Anatolia. Arslantepe and Hacılar Büyük Höyük are situated in different environments (i.e., climate and vegetation), and show different levels of social organization, and economies. Comparing the land use patterns of these two contemporary but otherwise different polities presents important results in terms of our understanding of how land use patterns diversify and what their ecological results have been in the long term.
Arkeolojide Çok Disiplinli Yaklaşımlar
Our new book, which includes the definition of scientific techniques used in archaeology, their application areas and detailed explanations of each technique, has been published.