Eggshell from the site of Tell Kurdu

Rana Ozbal

Rana Ozbal

Microarchaeology Workshop

Modern excavations include more than the traditional bucket and shovel methods, but also on and off-site laboratories. These additions, such as infrared spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence (XRF), polarized microscopes, spectrophotometric systems, and more, contribute to the on-site research and understanding of past activities. This first student Microarchaeology workshop will cover various topics, such as diagenesis of archaeological materials, phytoliths, radiocarbon, residue analysis, metallurgy, ancient DNA and more.

Lior Regev, Yotam Asscher, Dan Cabanes (workshop organizers)

April 3-8, 2011

Catherine P. Foster

Microarchaeology Helps Solve Ashkelon’s Puzzles

Scientists with the Kimmel Center for Archaeological Science in the Weizmann Institute in Israel are helping Ashkelon archaeologists Lawrence Stager and Daniel Master discover new secrets about their site’s archaeological remains. Using techniques from the emerging discipline of microarchaeology, including spectroscropy, radiocarbon dating, and petrographic and DNA analysis, Kimmel Center researchers have helped identify decayed grasses and dung from ancient stable floors, the function of mysterious clay cylinders and the purpose of a recently-discovered four-horned altar....

Biblical Archaeology Society Staff

Bible History Daily

January 16, 2012

Catherine P. Foster

History (and Microdebris) Uncovered at Dhiban

Nicholas Ames, 2012 ASOR Platt Fellow, describes his work on microdebris at Dhiban, Jordan.

Nicholas Ames

American Schools of Oriental Research blog

2012

Catherine P. Foster

Olive

Botanical remains of olive.

Egon Lass

Egon Lass

Legume (pea or lentil)

Obverse and reverse of a legume (pea or lentil?), which are somewhat rare at Ashkelon and most other sites in the region.

Egon Lass

Egon Lass

Unidentified marine animal

Apparently the remains of a marine animal. I wish I knew what it was! Any suggestions welcome.

Egon Lass

Egon Lass

Grain

Botanical remains of grain.

Egon Lass

Egon Lass

Grape pips

Botanical remains of grape.

Egon Lass

Egon Lass

Coxcomb

Botanical remains of carbonized coxcomb, a kind of flower known as Celosia cristata, leaving a seed that is characteristically smooth on one side and jagged on the other (identification by N. Lipschitz).

Egon Lass

Egon Lass