Advances in archaeological soil chemistry in Central Europe

Abstract

Analytical technologies for the evaluation of archaeological soils have developed rapidly in recent decades, and now support a range of innovative research and interpretations of archaeological sites and landscapes. Established methods, including phosphates and multi-element ICP-MS/OES, have provided interpretations of the use of space within settlements and houses, and the function of specific archaeological features. Recently, portable X-Ray Fluorescence has been introduced to archaeological soil science, but published results have generated knowledge gaps. The correspondence between archaeological geochemical anomalies and specific human activities is partly dependent on geology (including sediment type and relative acidity and permeability of the soil), topography, and formation processes, as well as influence of human activities. At the same time, which elements, and fractions of elements, are measured is largely dependent on instrument parameters and extraction methods. This paper provides an overview of archaeological soil chemistry in Central Europe, and the current state-of-the-art, followed by an assessment of future developments in archaeological soil chemistry, molecular biogeochemistry, and the significance of geoarchaeology in multi-disciplinary research.