Cette thèse est le résultat de trois années d’études sur le site archéologique de Sangtarashan situé à l’ouest de l’Iran au cœur de la chaîne montagneuse du Zagros, dans la province du Luristan. Le site, découvert en 2002 et fouillé pendant six campagnes de 2005 à 2011 a révélé une situation très particulière aux archéologues. Au sein d’une structure architecturale circulaire, en pierre, chevauchée par plusieurs autres structures, plus de deux milles objets et notamment plusieurs centaines d’objets métalliques connus sous le nom de Bronzes du Luristan ont été mis au jour. Certains étaient en lot et d’autres étaient isolés parmi les blocs de pierres des constructions ou éparpillés sur toute la surface du site. L’enjeu de cette étude était en premier lieu de proposer une fonction et une datation pour ce site et de là, le contextualiser dans son milieu géographique et historique. L’étude architecturale et l’étude spatiale des objets nous ont conduit à suggérer que Sangtarashan ait été un lieu cultuel où le dépôt d’objets métalliques constituait une coutume réalisée par des fidèles, potentiellement des voyageurs ou des nomades. L’étude typo-chronologique de plus d’un millier d’objets, en grande partie métalliques, nous a permis de situer l’occupation du site à l’âge du Fer avec deux phases consécutives différentes : l’âge du Fer I-II pour la première phase et l’âge du Fer II-III (même IV ?) pour la seconde phase. Il semble que la coutume du don de la première phase prenant la forme de dépôts en lots d’armes et de vases se soit transformée, à la seconde phase, en un don d’objets isolés, de taille plus petite et de nature plus variée. L’hypothèse d’une fonction non cultuelle (domestique) pendant la seconde phase n’est pas totalement écartée au regard de la prolongation des structures architecturales vers l’ouest. De futures fouilles archéologiques pourront confirmer ou infirmer cette hypothèse. La richesse du mobilier de Sangtarashan fait de ce site une base de référence pour les prochaines études des Bronzes du Luristan. Elle nous a permis également de proposer des datations pour certains types d’objets jusqu’à présent uniquement attestés parmi les objets de collections. Le fin mot de l’histoire, Sangtarashan semble être, en parallèle à Sorkhdom-é Lori, le deuxième sanctuaire de l’âge du Fer de la région du Zagros central où les fidèles avaient une prédilection pour le don d’objets métalliques. Même si cette étude a permis d’éclaircir plusieurs points concernant la région du Luristan à l’âge du Fer et ses Bronzes énigmatiques, de nouvelles questions ont parallèlement été soulevées méritant d’être étudiées par de nouvelles recherches. / This dissertation is focused on the archaeological site of Sangtarashan located on the western Iran, in Luristan. Discovered in 2002 and excavated during six campaigns from 2005 to 2011, the site had revealed, more than two thousand objects particularly several hundreds of "Bronzes of Luristan", in a circular architectural structure, in stone, overlapped by several other structures. Some of them were deposit as packages and others were isolated between stone blocks of walls or scattered over the entire surface of the site. The aim of this study was to propose a function and a dating for the site and then, to contextualize it in its geographical and historical environment. The architectural study and the analysis of spatial organization of objects led us to suggest that Sangtarashan was a ritual place where the act of deposition of metal objects was a custom by prayers, potentially travelers or nomads. The typo-chronological study of the objects allowed us to date the occupation of the site to the Iron Age with two consecutive phases: the Iron age 1-Il for the first phase and the Iron age Il-III (even IV?) for the second phase. lt seems that the form of dedication change from the first phase to the second one. In the first phase objects are dedicated as deposits in packages of arms and vessels. While in the second phase, they take the form of deposit of isolated objects of smaller size and of a more varied nature. The richness of the Sangtarashan's finds makes this site as a reference base for the next studies on the Bronzes of Luristan. It also allowed us to propose some dating for several types of objects till todays only attested among the objects provide from the illegal diggings.

A Arqueologia investiga os diferentes processos de constituição, funcionamento e transformação ocorridos nos sistemas sócio-culturais de populações humanas, desde os períodos mais recuados até os dias atuais. A investigação arqueológica é feita por meio de procedimentos técnicos e metodológicos já consagrados, utilizando-se da prática interdisciplinar e do aproveitamento, cada vez mais crescente, de recursos tecnológicos de domínio científico. A introdução dos sistemas de informação geográfica (SIG) como uma ferramenta de análise no âmbito da arqueologia brasileira é algo recente. A literatura mostra que em outros países o uso de tecnologia é parte da rotina, envolvendo aspectos locais, regionais e de gerenciamento do patrimônio. Neste trabalho é proposto o uso do SIG como um instrumento de devolução do conhecimento arqueológico, de modo a funcionar como um fator de inclusão social. Para isso é feito um estudo sobre os conceitos envolvidos na tecnologia de SIG e uma análise da problemática na construção de SIGs preditivos em função da precariedade da cartografia nacional. A partir deste estudo é concebido um sistema SIG/Multimídia denominado SIG Arqueologia, onde os dados do Projeto de Salvamento Arqueológico da UHE Corumbá IV (PA-SALV-C/IV) são utilizados para comprovar a eficiência da proposta. / Archeology examines different proceedings of constitution, performance and changes occurred in policies of human populations, social and cultural, since old time till this day. Archaeological search is made through consecrated technical and methodological procedures, using interdisciplinary and profiting training, increased more and more in technological resources of scientific origin. The introduction of geographical information systems (GIS) as an utensil of analysis in the field of brazilian archaeology is recent. Literature shows that in other countries the use of this technology is part of routine, involving local aspects, regional and patrimony management. In this work is proposed the use of GIS as an instrument of devolution of archeological knowledge, so to operate as a factor of social inclusion. It is made a study for this about concepts involved in GIS technology and an analysis of problematic in predicted GIS in function of precariousness of national cartography. Following this study is conceived a GIS/Multimedia system named ‘SIG Arqueologia’, were data of archeological salvation project of the UHE CORUMBÁ IV (PA-SALV-C/IV) are utilized to show the efficiency of proposal.

The post-firing variability of fire-affected rock (FAR) recovered from a stone-cooking platform within a prehistoric stone grill was examined. This examination tested the physical properties of FAR recovered from site CA-SBR-3773, located the Crowder Canyon Archaeological District in San Bernardino County, California. There is a lack of archaeological research in this area of Southern California; however, this project established a fundamental perspective of thermal feature reuse and episodes of firing activity for prehistoric cooking features by examining the physical changes FAR experienced due to various heat exposures. Regional archaeologists often encounter these features as they speckle the landscape of upland desert regions in California. This research is an experimental project that compares the cultural stones’ properties to those of non-cultural origin, which have been fired various times during controlled replicative experimentation. The end comparison identifies the FARs’ change in physical conditions. Repeated exposure to high temperatures has a direct relationship to the stability and matrices of rock, in this particular case, schist (Yavuz et al. 2010). As the stone is repeatedly exposed to high temperatures, its durability and structural components begin to deteriorate. This deterioration can be measured and compared to pre-fired physical properties. One of these physical properties is the stones’ porosity, which is calculated using the measured absorption rate of stone before and after exposure to firing episodes. These firing episodes are meant to approximate the cultural use of these stones during prehistoric cooking episodes. The results of the experiment show that FAR may have some diagnostic capabilities to infer multiple firing episodes, confirm facility reuse, and support suggested mobility with respect to available resources and temporal episodes through accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) dating and other analyses such as micro-botanical analysis.

Long-term human dietary change is a poorly understood aspect of Columbia Plateau prehistory. Faunal assemblages from thirty-four archaeological sites on the Plateau are organized into fifteen aggregate assemblages that are defined spatially and temporally. These assemblages are examined in terms of a focal-diffuse model using ecological measures of diversity, richness and evenness. Variability and patterning in the prehistoric subsistence record is indicated. Major trends in human diet and shifts in subsistence economies are documented and the relationship between subsistence and some initial semi-sedentary adaptations on the Plateau is clarified.

The Avar were nomadic people from Central Asia who migrated into the Carpathian Basin in Central-Eastern Europe during the mid to late Migration Period (AD 568 - 895). Archaeological evaluation of grave goods and documentation of mortuary practices have been the primary means of understanding the Avar. However, this approach has largely neglected skeletal and biochemical analysis, in particular as these approaches relate to the biological variation, ancestry, and dietary patterns of the Avar. There remains debate as to whether disparities existed among the socially stratified Avar population of ancient Hungary. It is argued by some that these disparities existed and were the result of differential access to nutritional resources. This hypothesis was tested using the unique properties of isotopes and their chemical signatures. In so doing, the qualitative work on the grave goods was augmented by an additional, quantifiable line of evidence. To investigate social stratification among the Avar population, the techniques of chemical multi-isotope and osteological analysis were employed. Multi-isotopic analyses can be done on stable isotopes (carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen) and on the heavy isotopes (strontium and lead). The particular stable isotopes examined were carbon (δ13C), nitrogen (δ15 N), and oxygen (δ18O). The heavy isotopes analyzed were strontium (87Sr/86Sr) and lead (206Pb/204Pb). Stable isotope analysis as well as ratio analysis of the heavy isotopes strontium (87Sr/86Sr) and lead (206Pb/204Pb) are well-established analytical chemistry methods for examining diverse aspects of diet and mobility through specific geographic regions. The analysis was performed on samples derived from well-preserved tooth enamel and bones. Reconstructing migration and dietary patterns at the Sajópetri cemetery site has helped estimate variability among social groups and between sexes in this population at the time of the Migration Period. Results of the heavy isotope analysis revealed that the Avar population were non-locals to the region, and the stable isotope analysis demonstrated that there was little variation between social groups with slightly higher variation between sexes. This research provides an empirical and analytical framework for further research into migration patterns and social class dynamics of late prehistoric Hungry. This study also adds existing research possibilities to the on-going biogeochemical studies conducted throughout Europe.

At various points in human history, tattooing has been ubiquitous on almost every continent on Earth, used for reasons of aestheticism, religious beliefs or for social purposes. To study the art of tattooing with respect to a particular culture, one must always be critical to any references to the practice (written, pictorial or artefactual) due to issues of translation and misinterpretation. Complete verification may only come with the discovery of actual tattooed human remains. In combination with artefactual and anthropological evidence, these remains not only provide physical proof of the practice in a culture's ancestry but also possess the ability to link various other forms of physical evidence, which on their own would remain speculative. By its very nature, tattooing may only exist while the bearer is alive. Once the owner dies, the skin, along with the tattoo, decomposes (under normal decomposition conditions) and is lost forever. However, tattoos may survive if the dermal layers of the skin are preserved, either by natural or artificial means. The processes of mummification in various civilisations have provided us with a rare opportunity to study the art and processes of tattooing in antiquity. Existing tattooed mummified remains have been found in: Egypt; Siberia; Eastern Central Asia; Greenland; Alaska and St. Lawrence Islands; Central Andes (Peru and Chile); Philippines; New Zealand and Italy. Existing literature regarding the analysis of tattooing inks and pigments once deposited into the skin is very limited. Comparatively, the industrial organic pigments used to colour the majority of modern tattooing inks sold today have not been officially approved by any regulating body and as such, manufacturers are not required to disclose the chemical ingredients of their products. Chemical identification of these tattoo pigments post-procedure will aid medical practitioners in the event of complications or for the purposes of tattoo removal. Forensically, tattoos are often one of the distinguishing features used in the identification of victims of crime or accidents. Experiments were carried out using an animal model (Sus scrofa) for the tattooing. Given the theoretically large but ultimately limited range of substances available to both ancient and modern tattooists, the premise of the experiment involved surveying the literature regarding possible tattooing pigments and either obtaining or reproducing a careful selection of these in the laboratory. These pigments were then tattooed onto the ii animal model and after allowing for the essential healing period, the tattooed areas were excised, with those tattooed with traditional pigments subjected to various simulated mummification environments.

The Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park covers over 800 acres within Manchester, Tennessee, and is owned and managed by the Tennessee Division of State Parks. The central archaeological site within the park boundary is The Old Stone Fort mounds that enclose about 50 acres on a plateau above the convergence of the Big Duck and the Little Duck Rivers. The hilltop enclosure dates to the Middle Woodland Period, and radiocarbon dates obtained at the site range from the first to the fifth century A. D. Because of its size and apparent complexity, previous investigations of the site have been quite limited in areal exposure. Many questions remain as to the overall structure of the site, including the relationship of built and natural features, the presence of any structures or other anthropogenic features, and the occurrence of presence of any domestic remains. This research project utilizes detailed digital topographic survey, geographical information system (GIS) analysis, geophysical survey, limited re-excavation of previously investigated portions of the site, and manual coring to locate and characterize archaeological deposits within the enclosure and mounds. Magnetometer, resistance, electromagnetic susceptibility, conductivity, and ground penetrating radar techniques were used during the investigations. Geophysical data, using these instruments, were collected over the same area in many cases. All together 20,000 m2 were examined during the project. Results indicate potential archaeological features and deposits within the plateau interior. Analysis suggests the presence of several geophysical anomalies potentially associated with prehistoric use of the site, especially within the Eastern Gateway complex. One such anomaly, or complex of anomalies, represents a possible structure. Historic archaeological deposits are also indicated by the geophysical data. Excavations at the site were limited to minimize impact. In a re-excavated trench, a lens of black shale within the stone mound construction may indicate a building stage not previously observed at Old Stone Fort. A second excavation confirmed a ditch feature detected in the geophysical survey. Archaeological deposits located during the survey are interpreted as evidence of sustained use of the ceremonial site during the Middle Woodland Period by local corporate groups to maintain and intensify membership for individuals who were settled in nucleated villages throughout most of the year.

This thesis is an effort to provide the US Forest Service with a tool to effectively and efficiently protect and manage the cultural resource heritage of the Kisatchie National Forest. The development and subsequent evaluation of modeling efforts are vital to the archaeology of the region. There are two goals of this modeling project: to evaluate the active US Forest Service Predictive Model and secondly, if warranted, which it was, to improve upon previous models in the region. To do so 23 environmental variables were analyzed, many of which are inter-related, to develop a new set of probability zones while considering temporal and geographic variability in the Forest. The variables of distance to frequently flooded soils and distance to permanent streams proved the most significant and each play a prominent role in the creation of the proposed 2011 Kisatchie National Forest Model. The proposed model constructed within exhibits ideal gain values for each probability zone while accounting for the geographic and temporal variability present within the Kisatchie National Forest. The recommendation of this thesis is for the implementation of the proposed 2011 Kisatchie National Forest model in favor of both the 1995 Fort Polk Predictive Model and the 2010 Fort Polk Predictive Model for the Kisatchie National Forest and its surrounding region.

Sigtuna’s trade and production has been the subject of an increasing amount of archaeological investigations during the last 30 years. However, most of the research has been conductedregarding the buildings, coin mints and precious metal objects. This thesis will instead research one of the basics of the production, namely the iron. By reviewing the iron objectsand currency bars from house X in the city block Humlegården 3. Through high precision studies with conservation and scanning electron microscope I will be able to come one step closer to identifying what sort of items were produced on the site and discerning what status and function the smithy had. I will also investigate the possibility to track the origin of the iron. / Sigtunas handel och produktion har varit föremål för ett ökande antal arkeologiska undersökningar de senaste 30 åren. De flesta av dessa undersökningar har handlat ombyggnader, mynthus och föremålsstudier. Den här uppsatsen kommer istället att undersöka ett av hantverken som krävs för att kunna utföra många andra hantverk, nämligen järnhantverk. Genom att undersöka järnfynden och ämnesjärnen från hus X i kvarteret Humlegården 3, via detaljerade studier som inkluderar konservering och Svepelektronmikroskop, kommer jag att komma ett steg närmare vilka föremål som producerats på platsen samt utröna vad för status och funktion smedjan hade. Jag kommer även undersöka om det är möjligt att säga någonting om järnets ursprung.

The aim of this study is to present the architectural and organizational characteristics of Burgaz houses by taking into consideration a number of internal and external factors such as economical, social and environmental that influenced the house plan and its utilization in 4th century BC. To discuss the place of Burgaz house within the ancient Greek domestic context, the architectural, structural, and functional characteristics of houses are investigated and compared to contemporary examples, such as Olynthus and Haleis from Mainland Greece, as well as Kolophon and Klazomenai from Western Anatolia.