Rediscovering the past through modern chemistry : the relationship between analytical chemistry and archeology

Abstract

Analytical chemistry has become a helpful partner to the field of archaeology. Chemical analysis and techniques have been used to provide supporting data for archaeological theories. Carbon dating can provide the accurate age of an object, which can be integral in identifying an objects culture and removing the flaws of relative dating. Developments with X-ray Fluorescence have allowed long worn away inscriptions to be brought to light. As analytical techniques have developed over the years, the applicability to archaeology has grown. I explain how archaeology and chemistry are connected and provide examples of applications of chemistry in the archaeology field. I highlight three categories of analytical instrumentation that are used often in the field: Chromatography, Atomic Absorption and Emission Spectroscopy, and X-ray Fluorescence spectroscopy.