Introduction to Archaeological Science

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.

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 Çatalhöyük 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.