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Updated: Aug 10, 2025
Neutron Radiography and Computed Tomography of Biological Systems at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory's High Flux Isotope Reactor
Published on: May 7, 2021
Neutron activation analysis in Mediterranean Archaeology: current applications and future perspectives
Kai Riehle1,2, Erich Kistler1, Birgit Öhlinger1
1Institut für Archäologien, Universität Innsbruck, Langer Weg 11, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
Abstract:
This paper, jointly written by participants of a workshop held in 2021, argues for an increased recognition and application of neutron activation analysis (NAA) in the archaeology of the ancient Mediterranean. Discussing the methodological strengths and challenges, it highlights the great potential NAA has for collecting proxy data from ceramics in order to develop progressive concepts of archaeological research within and beyond the Mediterranean Bronze and Iron Age, pointing out opportunities to revisit long-held assumptions of scholarship and to refine visual/macroscopic provenance determinations of pottery. To take full advantage of NAA's strengths toward a better understanding of the socioeconomic background of ceramics production, distribution, and consumption, the paper emphasises the need for both interdisciplinary collaboration and basic data publication requirements.
Supplementary Information:
The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12520-023-01728-1.
