archaeology

Illuminating the past through modern techniques: A review of computer-based methods for archaeological pottery analysis

By Lisa McDonald / July 1, 2022

Computer-based methods aid in identification, classification, and reconstruction of ancient artifacts. A recent review paper outlines the strengths and weaknesses of current state-of-the-art computer-based methods for analyzing archaeological pottery.

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New study of Easter Island inhabitants suggests collaboration, not competition

By Faye Oney / August 21, 2018

A new study shows that early settlers of Easter Island collaborated with each other to build the giant moai statues that are scattered around the island. This disputes earlier theories that the inhabitants competed with each other, leading to their decline.

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Video: 1,600-year-old kilns discovered in Israel shed new light on ancient glass industry

By Stephanie Liverani / April 20, 2016

Remains of 1,600-year-old kilns were discovered in Israel, where archaeologists believe commercial quantities of raw glass were produced—a discovery that proves Israel was one of the largest glass manufacturers in the ancient world, the Israel Antiquities Authority reports.

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Ancient pottery unearthed in Israel contains 8,000-year-old olive oil

By Jessica McMathis / January 15, 2015

Ancient clay pots unearthed during an excavation in Israel show that the vessels contained 8,000 year-old olive oil, likely used in both diet and lighting.

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7,000-year-old copper awl reveals secret past of metallurgy in the Middle East

By Jessica McMathis / September 11, 2014

Researchers from the Zinman Institute of Archaeology and the University of Haifa have found that the awl unearthed during a previous excavation at Tel Tsaf, located near the Jordan River, is one of the oldest metal objects found there to date.

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Blurred lines—Art, science converge in identification of rare iron oxide in ancient Chinese ceramics

By Jessica McMathis / May 20, 2014

An international team of researchers have identified a rare iron oxide in ancient Chinese pottery, which could be critical in developing improved and inexpensive magnets for electronics.

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Lessons from the ancients—engineered ceramic materials and climate change

By Eileen De Guire / April 12, 2013

Ancient cultures used innovative ceramic pots as part of their adaption to severe climate change. What role will engineered ceramic materials have in addressing today’s climate and pollution challenges? Credit:…

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Chemical & Engineering News reports on GOMD; Saint-Gobain releases life cycle assessments for glass and mirrors

By Eileen De Guire / June 19, 2012

Approaches to studying the dissolution mechanisms of glasses for nuclear waste containment was one of the topics reported on by a Chemical & Engineering News science writer at the May GOMD…

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