The Science and Archaeology of Materials

The Science and Archaeology of Materials is set to become the definitive work in the archaeology of materials. Henderson’s highly illustrated work is an accessible textbook which will be essential reading for all practical archaeologists and students. With clear sections on a wide range of materials including pottery, glass, metals and stone, this work examines the very foundations of archaeological study. The Science and Archaeology of Materials provides a clear and up to date description of how these materials were exploited, modified and manufactured in prehistoric and historic periods. Anyone interested in ancient technologies, especially those involving high temperatures, kilns and furnaces will be able follow how raw materials are refined, transformed and shaped into objects. This description is then followed by appropriate case studies which provide a new chronological and geographical example of how scientific and archaeological investigations can and do interact.
They include: following case studies are given: * Roman pale green and highly decorated glass * 17th Century glass in Britain and Europe * the effect of the introduction of the wheel on pottery technology * the technology of Celadon ceramics * early copper metallurgy in the Middle East * chemical analysis and lead isotope analysis if British Bronzes * early copper alloy metallurgy in Thailand * the chemical analysis of obsidian and its distribution * the origin of the Stonehenge bluestones. This book shows how archaeology and science intersect and feed off each other. Modern scientific techniques have provided data which, when set within a fully integrated archaeological context, have the potential of contributing to mainstream archaeology. This holistic approach generates a range of connections between archaeological and scientific research, which benefits both areas and will enrich archaeological study in the future.