Archaeological science, geophysics, biomolecular analysis, and responsible remote sensing
Key Questions
How are facial reconstructions being created at Aquincum?
Researchers use ancient DNA combined with forensic techniques to reconstruct Roman faces from the Aquincum site. The results are now on display at the museum for public education.
What new method aids rapid subsurface archaeological prospection?
A minimally invasive approach combines GPR, augering, and micro-artifact identification for efficient site detection. It has proven transferable across different landscapes.
What imaging advances revealed tattoos on Nubian mummies?
Advanced imaging identified 1,400-year-old tattoos on 27 Nubian mummified individuals, including young children. The findings expand knowledge of body modification practices.
How is remote sensing contributing to Urartian studies?
Satellite imagery and sediment dating mapped an extensive Urartian water distribution system in Armenia. The work demonstrates scalable landscape archaeology techniques.
What other methodological breakthroughs are highlighted?
Advances include AI-assisted reading of Herculaneum scrolls, aDNA from cave walls, and protein analysis confirming ancient animal sacrifice rituals. These methods improve dating, genetics, and residue studies.
Stable isotopes, trauma reanalysis, Roman mortar studies, radiocarbon modelling, photogrammetry, underwater timber analysis, LiDAR, drones, 3D scanning, and AI-assisted decipherment demonstrate the field’s methodological breadth. Zehanpore modelling projects at least 10,122 square metres of erosion loss by 2050; AI and remote-sensing claims still require field verification, transparent uncertainty, and attention to data sovereignty.