ISOTOPIC ARCHAEOLOGY
Learning outcomes of the course unit
These lessons want to give some notions on the application of stable Isotope technique in archaeology. The information that can be obtained concerns past climate and environment, diet, ecology, economy subsistence of past human and animal populations.
Course contents summary
What isotopes are: generalities, isotope fractionation in equilibrium conditions and kinetic fractionations, isotopic notations, standard materials, methodologies, instrumentation.
Climate reconstruction by stable isotopes:
Phosphate oxygen isotopes in bones and teeth carbonate oxygen isotopes in bones and teeth, oxygen isotopes in the organic matter.
Diet reconstruction by stable isotopes:
Carbon isotopes in collagen and carbonates, nitrogen isotopes in collage.
Examples
Laboratory experiences
Recommended readings
electronic material given during the lessons
