A review of soil geochemistry in archaeology

Trace metal analysis of archaeological soils has grown in popularity in recent decades, as an additional means of measuring human impact on and off archaeological sites. Nonetheless there has been a tendency to ascribe such elements too easily to ancient metallurgy, whereas pollution research studies have identified many other causes of heightened trace metals in anthropogenic deposits. This article reviews the published history of research into these phenomena.

Automated summary

Trace metal analysis of archaeological soils has become popular in recent decades, but there has been a tendency to attribute these elements too easily to ancient metallurgy. Pollution research has identified several other causes of increased trace metals in anthropogenic deposits. This article reviews the history of research on these phenomena.