How chemistry can reveal the secrets of ancient worldsRichard Evershed, Professor of Biogeochemistry at the University, said: "While the archaeological record is extraordinarily incomplete, by combining molecular, isotopic and archaeological information we can build up pictures of how people lived in a way that was impossible until now. We use the latest analytical chemical techniques in a forensic approach because of the thousands of years that have passed since the evidence was left behind."
University of Bristol
issued June 30, 2009
The latest state-of-the-art analytical chemical techniques are required to reveal and identify the invisible ancient molecules 'biomarkers' which are then matched to modern reference materials. These molecular and isotopic 'fingerprints' can be used to trace human activities, adding important new pieces to the jigsaw puzzle of past life on Earth.
One of the major challenges the scientists have taken on is the study of organic residues preserved in ancient cooking pots. Degraded animal fats left over from food processing are the most common residues detected. Professor Evershed's group were able to distinguish the chemical and isotopic signatures of milk and body fats of animals.
Professor Evershed continued: "Identifying the milking of animals based on fat residues in Neolithic pottery dating back nearly 9,000 years shows the specificity that can be achieved through these molecular and isotopic approaches."
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To all -- please ping me to other topics which are appropriate for the GGG list. |
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I singe grain in preparation for beer making. Maybe they were getting ready for a kegger.
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