New integrated molecular approaches for investigating lake settlements in north-western Europe

Brown, A. G. et al. (2022) New integrated molecular approaches for investigating lake settlements in north-western Europe. Antiquity, 96(389), pp. 1179-1199. (doi: 10.15184/aqy.2022.70)

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Abstract

Lake settlements, particularly crannogs, pose several contradictions—visible yet inaccessible, widespread yet geographically restricted, persistent yet vulnerable. To further our understanding, we have developed the integrated use of palaeolimnological (scanning XRF, pollen, spores, diatoms, chironomids, Cladocera, microcharcoal, biogenic silica, SEM-EDS, stable-isotopes) and biomolecular (faecal stanols, bile acids, sedaDNA) analyses of proximal and through-crannog cores in south-west Scotland and Ireland. Both can be effective methods sets for revealing occupation chronologies and identifying on-crannog activities and practices. Strong results from sedaDNA and lipid biomarker analyses demonstrate probable on-site animal slaughter, food storage and possible feasting, suggesting multi-period, elite site associations, and the storage and protection of valuable resources.

Item Type:Articles
Additional Information:The research presented here was funded by the UK Arts and Humanities Research Council (AH/M005259/1).
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Whitehouse, Professor Nicki and Barratt, Dr Phil
Authors: Brown, A. G., Fonville, T., van Hardenbroek, M., Cavers, G., Crone, A., McCormick, F., Murray, E., Mackay, H., Whitehouse, N. J., Henderson, A. C.G., Barratt, P., Davies, K., Head, K., Langdon, P., Alsos, I. G., and Pirrie, D.
College/School:College of Arts & Humanities > School of Humanities > Archaeology
Journal Name:Antiquity
Publisher:Cambridge University Press
ISSN:0003-598X
ISSN (Online):1745-1744
Published Online:28 September 2022
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2022 The Authors
First Published:First published in Antiquity 96(389): 1179-1199
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

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