Archaeometry: changes and current trends

Abstract

This paper looks through the definition of the term Archaeometry and its different meanings since the first use of the term in the 1950s to the present. It is also concerned with the historical background of Archaeometry, its evolution throughout recent decades and the fields currently covered by this new area of knowledge, which must be understood within the limits of archaeology. In addition, a bibliometric analysis has served to show in depth the trends of archaeometric studies and to assess their role in current archaeological research. Finally, some ideas on the particular knowledge generated by Archaeometry as well as its future and immediate perspectives are also discussed.