
Introduction to Archaeological Science
Routledge (Publisher)
1st Edition
Will be published approx. on 9. November 2026
Book
Hardback
520 pages
978-1-032-21887-8 (ISBN)
Description
Introduction to Archaeological Science offers a clear, comprehensive introduction to archaeological science for students encountering the field for the first time.
The book presents the principal areas that shape contemporary archaeological science, combining accessible explanations with strong conceptual foundations. It introduces the development of the discipline from the 19th century to the present, before exploring relative and absolute dating methods; past environments and climate; geoarchaeology; archaeobotany; zooarchaeology; human osteology; biomolecular archaeology, including ancient DNA, proteomics, and stable isotope approaches to diet and mobility; ancient technologies; and the scientific analysis of archaeological materials. It discusses commonly used analytical techniques and demonstrates how scientific approaches enhance knowledge of the human past through carefully selected case studies from world archaeology. Written in clear, accessible language, the manuscript was reviewed by students to ensure that explanations are effective and genuinely supportive of learning.
Designed as a reliable entry point to the subject, Introduction to Archaeological Science is an ideal core textbook for students and practitioners beginning their archaeological training.
The book presents the principal areas that shape contemporary archaeological science, combining accessible explanations with strong conceptual foundations. It introduces the development of the discipline from the 19th century to the present, before exploring relative and absolute dating methods; past environments and climate; geoarchaeology; archaeobotany; zooarchaeology; human osteology; biomolecular archaeology, including ancient DNA, proteomics, and stable isotope approaches to diet and mobility; ancient technologies; and the scientific analysis of archaeological materials. It discusses commonly used analytical techniques and demonstrates how scientific approaches enhance knowledge of the human past through carefully selected case studies from world archaeology. Written in clear, accessible language, the manuscript was reviewed by students to ensure that explanations are effective and genuinely supportive of learning.
Designed as a reliable entry point to the subject, Introduction to Archaeological Science is an ideal core textbook for students and practitioners beginning their archaeological training.
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Target group
General
Illustrations
245 s/w Photographien bzw. Rasterbilder, 13 s/w Tabellen, 245 s/w Abbildungen
13 Tables, black and white; 245 Halftones, black and white; 245 Illustrations, black and white
Dimensions
Height: 246 mm
Width: 174 mm
Weight
453 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-032-21887-8 (9781032218878)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Andrea Dolfini | Lisa-Marie Shillito | Eric Tourigny
Introduction to Archaeological Science
Book
approx. 11/2026
1st Edition
Routledge
€52.50
Not yet published
Persons
Andrea Dolfini (he/him) is Professor of Archaeology at Newcastle University, UK. His research focuses on material culture and society in later prehistoric Europe, combining scientific and experimental approaches with social analysis. He is especially interested in metal technology, the functional study of early tools and weapons, and the archaeology of conflict and violence. He has taught a core undergraduate course in Archaeological Science at Newcastle University since 2009.
Lisa-Marie Shillito is Professor of Geoarchaeology and Heritage Science at Durham University, UK. Her research focuses on long-term human-environment interactions, using multi-proxy approaches that integrate sediment micromorphology, biomolecular methods, and microfossil analyses to reconstruct past landscapes, resources, and ecological change. She has worked on archaeological sites around the world, including the Catalhoeyuek World Heritage Site in Turkey, Hadrian's Wall in the UK, and Paisley Caves in North America, bringing together interdisciplinary scientific methods to understand how people shaped, and were shaped by, their environments across deep time.
Eric Tourigny is Senior Lecturer in Historical Archaeology at Newcastle University, UK, where he teaches courses on the analysis of animal bones, environmental archaeology, and historical archaeology. His research interests are in the reconstruction of human-animal relationships from the more recent past, focusing on two areas: 1. the reconstruction of human diets and foodways, especially amongst immigrant communities to North America; and 2. Changing relationships with pets and the impact of human behaviour and actions on animal skeletons.
Lisa-Marie Shillito is Professor of Geoarchaeology and Heritage Science at Durham University, UK. Her research focuses on long-term human-environment interactions, using multi-proxy approaches that integrate sediment micromorphology, biomolecular methods, and microfossil analyses to reconstruct past landscapes, resources, and ecological change. She has worked on archaeological sites around the world, including the Catalhoeyuek World Heritage Site in Turkey, Hadrian's Wall in the UK, and Paisley Caves in North America, bringing together interdisciplinary scientific methods to understand how people shaped, and were shaped by, their environments across deep time.
Eric Tourigny is Senior Lecturer in Historical Archaeology at Newcastle University, UK, where he teaches courses on the analysis of animal bones, environmental archaeology, and historical archaeology. His research interests are in the reconstruction of human-animal relationships from the more recent past, focusing on two areas: 1. the reconstruction of human diets and foodways, especially amongst immigrant communities to North America; and 2. Changing relationships with pets and the impact of human behaviour and actions on animal skeletons.
Content
List of figures; Preface; Chapter 1 Introduction; Chapter 2 A Short History of Archaeological Science; Chapter 3 Measuring Time in Archaeology; Chapter 4 Scientific Dating Methods; Chapter 5 Past Environments and Climate; Chapter 6 Geoarchaeology; Chapter 7 Archaeobotany; Chapter 8 Zooarchaeology; Chapter 9 Human Osteology; Chapter 10 Biomolecular Archaeology; Chapter 11 Ancient Materials and Technologies; Chapter 12 Materials Science; Chapter 13 How to Become an Archaeological Scientist; Glossary; Bibliography; Illustration Credits; Index.