Trace element analysis of soil samples from a stratified archaeological site

Area of Science:

• Archaeochemistry
• Environmental Archaeology
• Geoarchaeology

Background:

• Stratified archaeological sites, or tells, provide layered historical data.
• Understanding human-environment interactions requires analyzing soil chemistry.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze biophile element concentrations in soil samples from a Yugoslavian tell.
• To assess the utility of elemental analysis for archaeological stratification and environmental reconstruction.
• To supplement existing phosphate data with new elemental insights.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 38 soil samples from a 6-meter stratified tell (Gomoiava, Yugoslavia).
• Quantification of nine biophile elements: Mg, Sr, Zn, Cu, Ni, Mn, Cr, and B.
• Correlation of results with prior phosphorus (P) and calcium (Ca) estimates.

Main Results:

• Leaching likely affects calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) results.
• Manganese (Mn) may differentiate human versus livestock phosphate accumulation.
• Significant strontium (Sr) and boron (B) accumulation observed; boron data requires further validation.
• High correlation between zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and nickel (Ni) shows sharp peaks, potentially indicating precise strata.
• Chromium (Cr) and lead (Pb) provided limited archaeological information.

Conclusions:

• Elemental analysis, particularly Zn, Cu, and Ni, offers valuable data for archaeological stratification.
• Mn analysis can aid in distinguishing sources of phosphate accumulation.
• Further research is needed to refine the interpretation of elemental data in archaeological contexts.