Applications in archaeology and sample selection guidelines

Complementing other archaeological techniques, isotope analyses can offer greater insight into significant aspects of past lives and environments. Through the study of different tissues (eg. bone collagen, dentine, enamel), these methods provide an opportunity to directly access long-term and diachronic evidence of diet, mobility and even climate from human and faunal remains. Due to the destructive nature of these techniques, it is crucial to understand the isotopic potential of different skeletal elements in addressing research questions. This talk discusses how to select appropriate material to maximise the information gained using the most frequently employed isotope analytical approaches.

Dr Orsolya Czére - Teaching Fellow at the Department of Archaeology, University of Aberdeen
Prof Kate Britton - Head of the Department of Archaeology, University of Aberdeen