Journal of Archaeological Science最新文献

{"title":"Modelling cultural evolution processes in Dressel 20 amphora production during the Roman Empire","authors":"María Coto-Sarmiento ,&nbsp;Simon Carrignon","doi":"10.1016/j.jas.2025.106316","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jas.2025.106316","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>How people interact socially and transmit their knowledge from generation to generation leads to different habits and traditions. When these traditions are about pottery-making techniques, these differences may have left a quantifiable trace in the remaining cultural material. However, linking the differences observed in the archaeological record with social learning strategies and how production techniques were transmitted is extremely difficult. In archaeology, this has been studied in handmade production but barely analysed in large-scale production implying long-distance social interaction during an extended period. The goal of this study is to explore the transmission of technical skills among potters within the Roman Empire. Specifically, our case study has focused on the Dressel 20 amphora production processes based in <em>Baetica</em> province (currently Andalusia). To achieve this, we (1) compute the covariance matrix between morphometric measurements and use it to define the core rules of pottery-making techniques, (2) define scenarios in an Agent-based model that represent hypotheses about how techniques were shared between potters, and (3) quantify how likely each scenario is to reproduce the correlation between morphometric similarity of the pottery and the distance between the workshops observed empirically. Our analysis highlights that, while the spatial distribution of workshops influences social interaction among potters, it does not act as a strict barrier. Even workshops that are relatively distant can exhibit some morphometric similarities, suggesting that knowledge and techniques can be transmitted over larger distances. However, to obtain the level of correlation between distance in space and closeness in shape observed in the real world, geographical constraints – represented in our case by riverine connections – need to play a role in limiting interactions. Finally, we believe this method provides a versatile framework to explore morphometric differences related to the transmission processes in a large-scale production.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50254,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Archaeological Science","volume":"181 ","pages":"Article 106316"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-08-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144756858","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Rapid detection of aged collagen in archaeological residues using immunosorbent assay","authors":"Kuanrong Zhai ,&nbsp;Bingjian Zhang ,&nbsp;Longguan Zhu ,&nbsp;Hailing Zheng ,&nbsp;Jingxuan Liu ,&nbsp;Di Zhang ,&nbsp;Xinrui Sun ,&nbsp;Zvezdana Dode ,&nbsp;Mingzhi Ma ,&nbsp;Qiong Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.jas.2025.106339","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jas.2025.106339","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Collagen is a common component found in the degradation residues of gelatine, leather, and food. The rapid detection of collagen at archaeological sites and in residues is of significant importance to scientific archaeology. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is a crucial method for detecting proteins in archaeological materials. In this study, three types of polyclonal antibodies were prepared. They are cost-effective, easy to use, and applicable to a wide range of purposes. These antibodies specifically target common mammalian type I collagen and are designed to recognize different immune epitopes, including the N-terminal sequence and the triple-helix region. The use of ELISA enables the detection of specific sequence fragments in aged collagen. Based on the immunological experiments, immunochromatographic strips were developed to allow rapid on-site detection of aged collagen. The practical utility of these antibodies in detecting degraded collagen was demonstrated through experiments on ancient leather and mortar samples.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50254,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Archaeological Science","volume":"181 ","pages":"Article 106339"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144723365","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Ancient DNA unveils population dynamics and integration in Pingcheng, the first Northern Wei capital established by the Tuoba Xianbei","authors":"Hexun Cui ,&nbsp;Xiaogang Hou ,&nbsp;Xiaojing Lü ,&nbsp;Xiaoting Jing ,&nbsp;Youyang Qu ,&nbsp;Jiashuo Zhang ,&nbsp;Pengzhen Li ,&nbsp;Dawei Cai","doi":"10.1016/j.jas.2025.106341","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jas.2025.106341","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Pingcheng, the first capital of the Northern Wei dynasty, was also the first city in Chinese history established by a nomadic regime following Han Chinese cultural norms. To investigate the genetic history of its inhabitants, this study analyzed complete mitochondrial genomes from 145 ancient individuals excavated from three major cemeteries in Pingcheng. The results reveal a complex and diverse maternal genetic structure, dominated by high-frequency haplogroups characteristic of northern steppe populations, admixed with lineages from the Yellow River Basin, southern China, Xinjiang, and western Eurasia. The maternal gene pool underwent a recent and rapid expansion, accompanied by continuous gene flow from exogenous sources. Individuals from Pingcheng exhibit substantial genetic similarity and homogeneity with the Tuoba Xianbei, underscoring their foundational role in shaping the city's maternal genetic landscape. Additional maternal inputs from Yellow River populations—and more limited but direct connections with southern China, Xinjiang, and beyond—reflect a typical pattern of multi-ethnic integration. Notably, within-group analyses reveal a paradoxical pattern: distinct haplogroup-level structuring coexists with minimal sequence-level divergence. This suggests a temporal lag between admixture events and the emergence of statistically significant genetic differentiation, pointing to an ongoing process of multi-source integration and dynamic genetic reorganization. Moreover, the integration process varied across cemetery groups in direction, tempo, and intensity, shaped by interwoven factors including Tuoba traditions of incorporation, social hierarchy, cultural identity, and political governance. These findings highlight a dynamic model of population formation characterized by unity within diversity and harmony amidst differences. Together, these findings provide novel genetic insights into population dynamics in Pingcheng and offer a representative snapshot of the broader processes of ethnic amalgamation during early medieval China.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50254,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Archaeological Science","volume":"181 ","pages":"Article 106341"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144723364","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The necessity for authentication of ancient DNA from archaeological artefacts","authors":"Roberta Davidson ,&nbsp;Shyamsundar Ravishankar ,&nbsp;Yassine Souilmi ,&nbsp;Xavier Roca-Rada ,&nbsp;Colin Sobek ,&nbsp;Leonard Taufik ,&nbsp;Siobhan Evans ,&nbsp;Gludhug A. Purnomo ,&nbsp;Adam B. Rohrlach ,&nbsp;Thomas Harvey ,&nbsp;Christian Haarkötter ,&nbsp;Karina Pfeiler ,&nbsp;Dawn Lewis ,&nbsp;Bastien Llamas ,&nbsp;Jamie R. Wood ,&nbsp;Vilma Pérez","doi":"10.1016/j.jas.2025.106317","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jas.2025.106317","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The study of ancient DNA (aDNA) has revolutionised the fields of archaeology, human evolution and paleoecology, offering new insights into the past. In particular, aDNA can be used to study the origin of unique archaeological artefacts and adds an exciting line of evidence to the multifaceted research of these artefacts. However, aDNA methodology requires thorough consideration due to the inherent risks of modern DNA contamination, misinterpretation of results, and the irreversible destruction of culturally significant materials. This article revisits the importance of adhering to standardised aDNA protocols and established criteria for aDNA authentication. Through the discussion of several peer-reviewed studies from recent literature, we illustrate the benefits and challenges of integrating aDNA into archaeological research. Ultimately, we advocate for consultation and collaboration between archaeologists and aDNA specialists and present a study design schematic that integrates the roles of archaeologists, paleogeneticists and other stakeholders to ensure appropriate protocol selection, and accurate interpretation of aDNA data for the study of archaeological artefacts.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50254,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Archaeological Science","volume":"181 ","pages":"Article 106317"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144720803","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"From green to white: The technological origins of early white porcelain in Northern China","authors":"Yujie Wu ,&nbsp;Jianfeng Cui ,&nbsp;Binghua Han","doi":"10.1016/j.jas.2025.106334","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jas.2025.106334","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The appearance of white porcelain in Northern China during the Sui and Tang dynasties marks an important technological shift in the history of Chinese ceramics. How and why this development occurred from the established southern celadon tradition has been a long-standing question for researchers. In this study, samples of celadon, coarse white porcelain, and fine white porcelain excavated from a newly discovered Sui-Tang dynasty kiln site at Jinyang Ancient City, Shanxi, were analyzed for their composition. The results show that a local clay rich in calcium and magnesium was used for the ceramic body. A high-calcium lime glaze was commonly applied, and two distinct glaze formulations were identified based on the ware type. The glaze technology followed two distinct pathways: a common base of body material and plant ash was supplemented with either a silica- and iron-rich material to achieve the celadon glaze, or with a feldspathic mineral to develop the white porcelain glaze. These different technical choices indicate a progression from imitation to innovation. Celadon production followed southern techniques, but the low iron content of local clays required the addition of an iron-rich material to the glaze. This limitation, in turn, revealed the natural advantages of the local materials for making white porcelain, prompting a move from costly imitation toward more resource-efficient innovation. This change also drove improvements in paste refinement, glaze formulation, and the use of sealed saggers for firing. The case of Jinyang reveals a key process behind the origin of northern white porcelain: local, independent innovation was driven by a combination of resource constraints and the imitation of existing technologies. This work provides new physical evidence for understanding the technological origins and regional variations of white porcelain in Northern China.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50254,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Archaeological Science","volume":"181 ","pages":"Article 106334"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144702818","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Trauma or taphonomy? A forensic reassessment of perimortem cranial trauma in burials from the Phaleron cemetery (Archaic Athens, Greece)","authors":"Ioanna Anastopoulou ,&nbsp;Jane E. Buikstra ,&nbsp;Lourdes Tamayo ,&nbsp;Stella Chryssoulaki ,&nbsp;Konstantinos Moraitis ,&nbsp;Fotios Alexandros Karakostis","doi":"10.1016/j.jas.2025.106331","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jas.2025.106331","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The Phaleron cemetery was one of the most important burial sites in Archaic Attica (8th–5th centuries BCE). Its burials include individuals showing signs of captivity (i.e., evidence of physical restraints) and are believed to potentially represent executed prisoners. This study reassesses the previously proposed presence of perimortem cranial trauma in these distinctive individuals, based on independent evaluations by two experienced forensic practitioners, a comparative sample of documented forensic trauma cases from modern Greece, and multivariate statistical analysis. Of the 19 crania analyzed, only two of the distinctive (or “D-Group”) burials showed clear evidence of perimortem trauma, with only one of these presenting all diagnostic perimortem indications. However, even in these cases, the consistent location of the fractures (mainly on the side of the skull) relative to the underlying soil, along with the water-rich nature of these seaside contexts, may also likely suggest a taphonomic origin. These results highlight the importance of contextual and environmental factors in trauma interpretation, emphasizing the value of documented forensic references and multivariate approaches that can assess multiple diagnostic traits together. More broadly, our findings underscore the need for caution when attempting to link skeletal trauma to the cause of death in bioarchaeological contexts, where long-term taphonomic effects can play a decisive role.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50254,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Archaeological Science","volume":"181 ","pages":"Article 106331"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144702141","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Frontier walls, labour energetics and Qin imperial collapse","authors":"Zehao Li ,&nbsp;Giacomo Fontana ,&nbsp;Andrew Bevan ,&nbsp;Rujin Li","doi":"10.1016/j.jas.2025.106313","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jas.2025.106313","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The imperial northern frontiers of China during the Qin and Han Dynasties were protected by large-scale defensive walls. This paper considers the colossal investment of direct labour and logistics behind these constructions in the last few centuries BCE. Drawing upon new fieldwork, 3D recordings and an ethnohistorical meta-analysis, we develop an architectural energetic model for different construction methods and workforce sustenance. Our estimates highlight the significant logistical challenges, suggesting that the Qin Empire's mass conscription, forced relocations, and nationwide resource mobilisation potentially contributed to its collapse by 210 BCE.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50254,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Archaeological Science","volume":"181 ","pages":"Article 106313"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144679527","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Investigation of bacterial bioerosion phenomena in human bones","authors":"Sveenja Katharina Schmidt,&nbsp;Birgit Grosskopf","doi":"10.1016/j.jas.2025.106303","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jas.2025.106303","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Bioerosive patterns in bone microstructure appear as microscopic focal destructions (MFD). Various hypotheses exist concerning the origin of MFD in bone microstructure. It is still discussed where exactly the decomposing bacteria originate from and the multiple factors that affect the bacterial bioerosion process. Formerly, it was hypothesised that the bacteria originate in the intestinal tract, which is strongly criticised nowadays. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the origins of bone decomposing bacteria and found indications for the complex development of MFD.</div><div>120 thin-section specimens from six skeletal series were examined. The investigation focused on the MFD specific characteristics within the bone microstructure and possible explanations for the formation of the observed bioerosive patterns are discussed. The individuals of the studied skeletal series were buried in different ways, ranging from secondary burials in a cave (N_cave = 20) to cemetery interments (N_cemetery = 80) and chamber burials in a desert (N_desert = 14). While MFD were observed in all skeletal series, they were only detected in 37.5 % of the total thin sections. Moreover, there were differences in their abundance within the collections, ranging from low (N_{Lichtensteinhoehle} = 2; 10 % of the thin sections) to high (N_Inden/N_Goettingen = 14; 70 % of the thin sections).</div><div>In four of the skeletal series, less than half of the thin-section specimens examined were affected by microorganisms. However, only two skeletal series exhibited MFD in more than half of their thin sections (N_Inden/N_Goettingen = 14; 70 %). Several skeletal series contained thin sections with MFD predominantly located within osteons (N_all = 15), and several predominantly outside osteons (N_all = 4). Variations in abundance and location characteristics could be observed among the skeletal collections. Consequently, the formation of bacterial tunnelling is presumably not a singularly causal phenomenon. However, the results suggest that bacterial communities of exogenous origin cause the decomposition of a skeleton's bone microstructure.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50254,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Archaeological Science","volume":"180 ","pages":"Article 106303"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144655075","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Faecal biomarkers as evidence of human presence in the caves of Kraków-Częstochowa Upland","authors":"N. Gryczewska ,&nbsp;M. Sulwiński ,&nbsp;M. Kot ,&nbsp;M.T. Krajcarz ,&nbsp;K. Cyrek ,&nbsp;M. Sudoł-Procyk ,&nbsp;J. Wilczyńki ,&nbsp;M. Wojenka ,&nbsp;K. Szymczak ,&nbsp;M. Suska-Malawska","doi":"10.1016/j.jas.2025.106311","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jas.2025.106311","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigates past human presence at cave sites by analysing faecal biomarkers—specifically sterols, bile acids and phosphorus—and compares the results with available archaeological data. The research concentrates on seven sites in the Kraków-Częstochowa Upland (S Poland): Biśnik Cave, Bramka Rockshelter, Ciasna Cave, Łabajowa Cave, Łokietka Cave, Sąspowska Zachodnia Cave, and Shelter in Smoleń III. It involved analysing sediment samples from the stratigraphic sequences of each site. The application of faecal biomarkers allowed us to detect human faecal matter at several distinct stratigraphic levels, aligned with and independent of archaeological evidence. Our findings contributed to existing archaeological data on human occupation in the region and revealed distinct patterns in the presence and distribution of faecal markers. The results highlight the potential of targeting deeper cave areas, particularly Palaeolithic layers, while also identifying key limitations—most notably the low concentrations of bile acids, which hinder interpretation, highlighting the need for further research into the factors influencing biomarker stability in cave contexts.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50254,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Archaeological Science","volume":"181 ","pages":"Article 106311"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144605236","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The effects of resources and population expansion on female–male protein consumption among hunter-gatherers","authors":"Jacob Freeman ,&nbsp;Alyssa Ahmann ,&nbsp;Robert J. Hard ,&nbsp;Raymond P. Mauldin","doi":"10.1016/j.jas.2025.106293","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jas.2025.106293","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This paper investigates the effects of terrestrial vs. marine resources and population expansion on sex differences in the consumption of protein among hunter-gatherers. We propose that differences in protein consumption emerge under conditions of greater specialization on terrestrial resources and population expansion. Consistent with this hypothesis, hunter-gatherers in pre-contact Texas display more pronounced sex differences in <span><math><msup><mrow><mi>δ</mi></mrow><mrow><mn>15</mn></mrow></msup></math></span>N isotope values when they exploit terrestrial and riverine resources rather than coastal and estuary resources. Further, where foragers harvest terrestrial and riverine resources, sex differences in <span><math><msup><mrow><mi>δ</mi></mrow><mrow><mn>15</mn></mrow></msup></math></span>N isotope values first decline and then increase coincident with population expansion on the Texas Coastal Plain. In coastal ecosystems, sex differences in <span><math><msup><mrow><mi>δ</mi></mrow><mrow><mn>15</mn></mrow></msup></math></span>N isotope values remain minimal as population expands. These patterns support the hypothesis that population expansion and associated changes in the production of resources may create incentives for more or less overlap in the dietary niches of males and females. The direction of change depends on the resource options that foragers select to scale-up their production of food.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50254,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Archaeological Science","volume":"181 ","pages":"Article 106293"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144605171","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}