This research presents the first comprehensive analysis of medieval pottery (10th–13th centuries CE) from Mongolia, focusing on ceramics unearthed from the Medieval Border Systems. Lipid residue and archaeobotanical analyses revealed the presence of domesticated plants, particularly various types of millets, suggesting that millet was an important dietary component alongside domesticated animals and wild resources through collection, hunting, and fishing. Miliacin, a biomarker specific to broomcorn millet ( Panicum miliaceum ), was identified in approximately 80% of the analyzed vessels. In addition, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) revealed the use of foxtail millet for the preparation of food in pottery vessels. Isotope analysis of extracted palmitic and stearic acids is consistent with lipid residues derived primarily from C 3 -based resources, with C 4 -enriched signals interpreted as millet consumption and ruminant foddering practices. These findings demonstrate substantial millet use on the steppe, though the limited archaeobotanical evidence for on-site processing leaves the question of local cultivation versus external supply unresolved. The data reported here are significant not only for understanding dietary, culinary, and subsistence practices at Mongolian medieval frontier sites but also for contributing to a baseline for the study of the medieval diet and economy across the sparsely populated Mongolian steppe. By integrating multi-proxy evidence from lipid residue analysis and high-resolution microscopy of carbonized foodcrusts as well as stable isotope, archaeobotanical and zooarchaeological data, this study offers valuable insights into the foodways and economic foundations of these frontier communities while addressing the gap in our understanding of medieval border management in Mongolia.
We investigated the relationship between the location and control of precious metal mines and deposits in northern Greece and the Balkans and the remarkable rise of Macedonia in fourth century BCE under Philip II. Favourable geology endowed the region with > 70 gold, silver and base metal deposits and our field studies indicate extensive evidence of ancient mining. Exploitation began in the fifth millennium and became widespread from the late sixth century BCE with introduction of colonial and tribal coinage. Most mines were outside the diminished and threatened kingdom Philip inherited in 359/360 BCE; he had no silver mine, and numerous gold, silver, copper and iron deposits were exploited by surrounding Illyrians, Paeonians, Thracians, the Chalcidian League, other tribes and Greek colonies. Early expansion was driven by security yet also delivered wealth through mines and booty. By 348 BCE Philip’s dominion increased fivefold and he controlled three of the most important gold and silver mining districts. They underpinned his gold and silver coinage and probably forged interdependent links between military strength, expansion, influence, and power, which characterised the remainder of his rule. Nevertheless, ambiguous lead isotope results deny attribution of silver coinage to individual deposits. When assassinated (336 BCE), Philip controlled most precious metal deposits in the region and had achieved essential preconditions for invading Persia. Whilst he acquired considerable wealth from booty, tribute, and slaves, we consider that precious metals underwrote the exceptional scale and rate of his military and diplomatic achievements; but from operating mines, unlike Alexander’s success, underwritten by plunder of above-ground treasuries.
This paper examines the long-term exploitation of biotic and abiotic resources for personal ornament production at the cave of Arangas (Asturias, Spain). The site provides a valuable diachronic framework to assess continuity and change in the use of different raw materials across an exceptional stratigraphic sequence spanning from ca. 11,200 to 1600 cal BC. Although located approximately 11 km from the present-day coastline, and despite the topographic constraints on access, marine gastropods, particularly Trivia sp. and Tritia reticulata, represent the dominant raw materials throughout the sequence. Their persistent use suggests that the significance of marine materials was not directly dependent on proximity to the coast or their role in subsistence. The analysis considered all 51 personal ornaments recovered from the stratigraphic sequence, including freshwater gastropods, mammal teeth, bone, mineral, and undetermined biotic materials. By integrating stratigraphic, taxonomic, morphometric and technological analyses, including stereomicroscopy, experimental replication of perforation techniques, and micro-XRF elemental characterization of mineral ornaments, this study examines long-term patterns in raw material selection, manufacture and use from the Azilian to the Middle Bronze Age. Specifically, it suggests that marine resources may have maintained a symbolic relevance across the sequence, alongside variability in technical practices.
This paper presents the results of an archaeometric study of a metal plate recovered from the Catritre archaeological site in southern Neuquén, Patagonia, Argentina, combining gamma-ray spectrometry following neutron activation analysis (NAA) with particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE). This represents the first use of the RA6 experimental nuclear reactor at the Bariloche Atomic Center for the analysis of archaeological artifacts. The results suggest that the plate is a discoidal tupu head, manufactured by melting down a utilitarian artifact of leaded tin-bronze, an alloy that would impart a unique color and reflectance. Its composition, and especially its proportions, are similar to those used in Inca metallurgy during the second half of the 16th century. Starting with a utilitarian tool of non-local manufacture, an ornamental artifact was created through melting and decorating it with repoussé and chiseling motifs characteristic of the contemporary Reche-Mapuche society of Patagonia and La Araucanía.
The Late Neolithic cultures of the Lower Yangzi River (ca. 5300–4000 BP) were characterized by intensive rice agriculture, technological innovation, emerging social complexity, and elaborate ritual traditions. Pottery vessels played central roles in food production, storage, and consumption, yet the function of certain specialized forms remains unclear. This study focuses on filters, a distinctive pottery vessel type of the Songze and Liangzhu periods, long hypothesized to be associated with alcohol processing. Using multi-proxy residue analysis (starch, phytoliths, fungi, and microfibers) on filters and comparative cooking, storage, and serving vessels (cauldrons, jars, and plates) from the Wayaoli site (ca. 5300–5000 BP) in Zhejiang Province, we demonstrate that filters were used in the production of rice-based fermented beverages. The results indicate the consumption of rice, foxnut, Job’s tears, and underground storage organs as starchy resources; the addition of Monascus molds as fermentation starters to produce red-colored alcohol; and the application of bast fiber textiles for filtration, enhancing both alcohol taste and clarity. The consistent presence of filters in burials highlights the social and ritual significance of alcohol, shedding new light on foodways, technological development, and ritual practices in occupations from Late Songze to Early Liangzhu periods.
