December 7: Lecture by Sheldon Skaggs

Weird Science: How Chemistry and Physics Has Led to Understanding Ancient Peoples

This lecture highlights geoarchaeology and archaeological science techniques used in a variety of archaeological contexts. Dr. Skaggs highlights the role of both chemical analysis in the laboratory, and principles of basic wave physics are used in modern archaeology. First, artifacts can be identified to the source of the raw materials through isotope analysis as illustrated through personal examples from Roman Tunisia and Ancient Maya site of Pacbitun Belize. Physics is used by understanding electric and magnetic field changes to find archaeology sites buried underground. Finally, the use of digital photography or lasers beamed through the trees to create three dimensional models of sites and artifacts and might represent the future of public outreach by archaeologists.

November 12 at 6:00 pm
✎ Webinar Registration Required (click here)

▶︎ Watch a recording of this lecture on Youtube