No

This paper deals with iron objects found in the 2015 excavation in Birkas Black Earth harbour on the Island of Björkö, in Adelsö parish. The purpose is to through EDTA -conservation and x-rays identify which objects they derived from, and how they can be linked to activities associated with a harbour environment.

Le projet ARCADIA vise à développer une méthode automatique d’analyse des décors sur des tessons de céramique réalisés à la molette pour faciliter l’interprétation de ce patrimoine archéologique. Cette automatisation doit remplacer la procédure manuelle effectuée par l’archéologue, devenue trop fastidieuse avec l’augmentation du corpus (38000 tessons). L’objectif in fine est de réussir à associer automatiquement les décors à la molette du potier qui les a créés. Dans ce contexte, nous avons développé une chaine complète depuis la numérisation des tessons jusqu’à la classification automatique des décors selon leur style de motifs(carré, losange, chevrons, oves, etc). Les travaux présentés proposent plusieurs contributions mettant en oeuvre des méthodes d’analyse d’images et d’apprentissage automatique. A partir du nuage de points 3D, une carte des profondeurs est obtenue. Une méthode originale de détection automatique de la région saillante focalisée sur le décor est proposée. Ensuite les décors sont caractérisés pour effectuer leur classification. Un nouveau descripteur, appelé Blob-SIFT, est proposé pour collecter les signatures seulement dans les zones pertinentes du décor. Cette approche adaptée à chaque décor, permet à la fois de réduire considérablement la masse de données et d’améliorer les performances de classification. Nous proposons également une approche apprentissage profond, puis, une approche hybride combinant les vecteurs de caractéristiques locales extraites par Blob-SIFT et la caractérisation globale du décor fournie par l’apprentissage profond qui améliore encore les performances de classification. / The ARCADIA project aims to develop an automatic method for analyzing engraved decorations on ceramic sherds to facilitate the interpretation of this archaeological heritage. It is to replace the manual and tedious procedure carried out by the archaeologist since the corpus increased to more 38000 sherds. The ultimate goal is to grouping all the decorations created with the same wheel by a poter. We developped a complete chain from the 3Dscanning of the sherd to the automatic classification of the decorations according to their style (diamonds, square, chevrons, oves, etc). In this context, several contributions are proposed implementing methods of image analysis and machine learning. From the 3Dpoint cloud, a depth map is extracted and an original method is applied to automatically detect the salient region centered onto the decoration. Then, a new descriptor, called Blob-SIFT, is proposed to collect signatures only in the relevant areas and characterize the decoration to perform the classification. This approach adapted to each sherd, allows both to reduce significantly the mass of data and improve classification rates. We also use deep learning, and propose an hybrid approach combining local features extracted by Blob-SIFT with global features provided by deep learning to increase the classification performance.

Nenhuma / During the Program for Prospection and Excavation of the Archaeological Heritage from Areas Affected by the Installation of the Second Line of Pipeline Samarco, several sherds were excavated from archaeological sites with more historical value, Bota-Fora and Hiuton. These sites are located in the Brazilian State of Espírito Santo, where the Jesuitical Missions were built during the XVI century. Ceramic is a very resistant material to time and also TO the natural conditions in the surrounding areas, and IT IS CONSIDERED an important vestige in archaeometry due to its elemental composition Therefore, in this research the concentration of Al, As, Ba, Br, Ce, Cl, Co, Cr, Cs, Dy, Eu, Fe, Ga, Hf, I, K, La, Mn, Na, Nd, Rb, Sc, Sm, Ta, Tb, Th, Ti, U, V, Yb, Zn, Zr were determined in the pottery fragments by neutron activation technique, using the TRIGA MARK I IPR-R1 nuclear reactor located at CDTN/CNEN. This study is the first one developed in Brazil, in which the elemental concentration values were interpreted by statistical analysis applying R package software that promotes robust methods, supported by archaeological interpretations. The results pointed out that the pottery from the sites were made by clay from different resources and the earthenware from Bota-Fora site was made by clay of different compositions pointing out different provenances. The X ray powder diffraction analyses were carried out in order to determine the mineral composition and Mössbauer spectroscopy was applied to provide information on both degree of firing and atmosphere in order to reconstruct the Indian firing strategies temperature used on pottery. Related to burning temperature, the information from the X ray powder diffraction technique found was not relevant; however, the results from Mössbauer technique pointed out that the firing should be happen in bonfire, the traditional Indian burning process, without Portuguese settler influence, the use of ovens. These conclusions may support future studies contributing for a better understanding of the Tupiguarani tradition, helping in the reconstruction of the Brazilian prehistory. / No Programa de Prospecção e Resgate do Patrimônio Arqueológico das Áreas Atingidas pela Instalação da Segunda Linha do Mineroduto Samarco, foram resgatados fragmentos de cerâmicas dos sítios arqueológicos de maior valor histórico, Bota-Fora e Hiuton. Esses sítios estão localizados no Espírito Santo, onde se estabeleceram Missões Jesuíticas no século XVI em tribos indígenas da tradição Tupiguarani. Por ser um material resistente ao tempo, às variações climáticas e normalmente conter elementos traço, a cerâmica é um testemunho arqueológico importante em arqueometria. Portanto, nesta pesquisa, os elementos Al, As, Ba, Br, Ce, Cl, Co, Cr, Cs, Dy, Eu, Fe, Ga, Hf, I, K, La, Mn, Na, Nd, Rb, Sc, Sm, Ta, Tb, Th, Ti, U, V, Yb, Zn, Zr foram determinados nos fragmentos pela técnica de ativação neutrônica, utilizando o reator nuclear de pesquisa TRIGA MARK I IPR-R1 do CDTN/CNEN. Este trabalho foi o primeiro no Brasil em que os valores de concentração elementar foram interpretados por meio de análises estatísticas aplicando o programa R que valoriza métodos robustos, associados às interpretações dos arqueólogos. Os resultados sugerem que as cerâmicas dos dois sítios arqueológicos foram confeccionadas por matéria-prima de fonte de argila diferentes, e que os utensílios do sítio Bota-Fora foram confeccionados com matérias primas provenientes de fontes distintas. Também foram realizadas análises de difratometria de raios X para o estudo da composição mineralógica, além das análises de espectroscopia Mössbauer, ambas com o objetivo de auxiliar no entendimento de qual tecnologia de queima foi usada nas cerâmicas. Em relação à temperatura de queima alcançada, pela análise de difração de raios X não foi possível fazer inferências. Entretanto, os resultados obtidos pela técnica de espectroscopia Mössbauer indicam que a queima desses utensílios, deve ter acontecido em fogueiras, a céu aberto, não havendo influência do colonizador português que já utilizava fornos. Estas conclusões poderão auxiliar em trabalhos posteriores para um melhor entendimento da cultura da tradição Tupiguarani, auxiliando na reconstrução da Pré-história brasileira.

Soils in the urban environment are distinctive in that they are modified through waste amendments. Consideration has been given to how urban soil properties reflect current human influence; however, recent studies highlight their potential as historical archives. The impact of waste disposal on the nature, properties and formation of urban soils is significant, especially in historic small towns where the extent and complexity of refuse management practices is only just emerging. This study uses a multi-method approach to characterise and understand modes of urban anthrosol formation in three Scottish burghs; Lauder, Pittenweem and Wigtown. The objectives of this study are threefold; to establish the nature and diversity of urban anthrosols in and near to historic small towns, to characterise and account for the multiplicity of urban anthrosols in and near to historic small towns, and to elucidate the processes associated with waste management and disposal in historic small towns. Physical, chemical and micromorphological analysis of topsoil deposits indicate sustained addition of past waste materials to soils within and near to historic small towns. Soil characteristics were heterogeneous across burghs; however, distinct patterns according to past functional zones were identified. The burgh core and burgh acres are important areas of interest at all three burghs. Soil modification was most pronounced within burgh cores resulting in the formation of hortic horizons. Soils within burgh cores are characterised by neutral pH, increased organic matter content, enhanced magnetic susceptibility and elevated elemental concentrations such as calcium, phosphorus and potassium. In comparison the nature and extent of soil modification within burgh acres is more varied. At Lauder hortic soils were identified in the burgh acres suggesting pronounced soil modification through cultivation. Deepened topsoil in the burgh acres at Pittenweem provided evidence for application of mineral rich waste materials in the past. Moreover, magnetic and elemental enhancement (barium, phosphorus, lead, zinc) within the burgh acres south of Wigtown revealed historic soils based anthropogenic signal. It is argued that changes in soil characteristics at Lauder, Pittenweem and Wigtown can be explained through processes of waste management and disposal in the past. Evidence from micromorphological analyses suggests that waste in burgh cores typically comprised domestic waste, animal waste, building materials and fuel residues. These materials were also identified within burgh acres, although it is noted that their abundances were significantly lower. Variation in urban anthrosol characteristics between burghs is attributed to differing industries and patterns of resource exploitation, for example marine waste associated with fishing was only identified in coastal burghs. The sustained addition of waste materials to soils within and near to historic small towns was an effective waste management strategy. Waste disposal in burgh cores was likely to be a combination of direct application and midden spreading in back gardens. This led to enhanced soil fertility which was important in the development of urban horticulture; particularly for poorer inhabitants who did not have access to arable farm land adjacent to the burgh. Dunghills acted as temporary stores of waste in the main thoroughfares of Lauder, Pittenweem and Wigtown. These dunghills were systematically transported to the burgh acres for further use as a fertiliser; hence, an early form of urban composting. Processes of waste disposal could not be deduced from soil characteristics alone; however, likely methods include direct waste deposition, storage and redistribution of midden waste, and storage and redistribution of dunghills. The limitations of soil classification systems and mapping are highlighted, for example urban soils are either omitted from soil maps or are misclassified. It is recommended that urban soils in historic towns should be incorporated into future regional soil maps. Urban soils represent a complex archive of past human behaviour not necessarily reflected in archaeological excavation or documentary analysis. It is argued that soil and artefacts are equally important, hence soil should be a consideration in urban heritage and conservation strategies.

The submitted archeological exploration of area associated with the important battle of the Hussite wars near Lipany on May 30, 1434 was primarily focussed on searching for material remains of this short military event. The project is essentially based on field research using the methodology of battlefield archaeology - the most often research approach concerning conflicts in the early modern history both in the Czech Republic and abroad. The field research was preceded by an analysis of written and iconographic sources relating to the Battle of Lipany and Hussite Wars and by a detailed study of historical maps. The detector prospection combined with targeting the findings by GPS coordinate method for more than four years brought approximately forty findings directly or chronologically related to the event being investigated. Most of them are small militaria (crossbow bullets, projectiles for firearms, spur fragments), the set is complemented by small coins and personal items. Findings related to the battle indicate a spatial relationship, they refer to some of the terrain sites that were the scene of different phases of the conflict. The exploration presumably managed to locate the place where the wagon fort of radical Hussite was situated, other sites indicate a relation to combat maneuvers...

Le sujet abordé dans la thèse a pour matière principale l’archéologie et s’inscrit dans la lignée des recherches consacrées au peuplement ancien du Languedoc oriental. Le mémoire traite d’un inventaire de sites archéologiques localisés en basse vallée de la Cèze, dans le département du Gard et en milieu rural, ainsi que de la mise en perspective de ces établissements dans une synthèse sur les dynamiques de peuplement sur une période comprise entre le IIe s. av. et le VIe s. de n. è. L’Antiquité constitue ici le cadre temporel de cette recherche, bien que les traces d’occupation du sol préhistoriques, protohistoriques et médiévales n’aient pas été passées sous silence. La réalisation de plusieurs campagnes de sondage et de prospection archéologique diachronique, associé à un inventaire céramologique, a constitué le socle fondamental de cette étude. L’emploi d’un GPS portatif a été généralisé à l’ensemble des établissements étudiés lors des prospections, qui ont bénéficié, dans leur intégralité, de relevés du mobilier au réel. Pour tenter de répondre aux problématiques touchant les dynamiques de peuplement au cours de l’Antiquité, la démarche retenue a été celle d’une analyse spatiale multi-scalaire, avec l’emploi privilégié d’un système d’information géographique créé pour l’occasion. Le travail de synthèse explicitant les dynamiques de peuplement en basse vallée de Cèze s’est appuyé sur un corpus de 84 sites, qui a fait l’objet d’une classification par le biais d’outils statistiques, et d’une spatialisation grâce à l’emploi du SIG. Cette étude a donc pour objectif de donner une première vue synthétique des données issues des campagnes de prospections et des fouilles archéologiques et, en les replaçant dans leur contexte géographique, de caractériser les établissements ruraux gallo-romains afin d’en montrer l’évolution spatiale et chronologique. L’analyse spatiale ici explicitée se donne pour dessein de comprendre les logiques du système de peuplement rural en essayant de répondre à plusieurs questions : quelles sont les modalités de création, de disparition, voire de transformation des établissements antiques ? Quelles sont les interactions qu’ils pouvaient entretenir entre eux ? Quelle est la place des oppida dans le réseau d’habitat de l’époque ? Ou, encore, dans quelles proportions les réseaux de communications et les activités agricoles influent-elles sur les dynamiques de peuplement ? / The topic discussed here mainly involves archeology and is in line with research on the early settlement of eastern Languedoc. This volume will deal with an inventory of archaeological sites located in the lower valley of the Cèze, in the department of Gard and rural areas, as well as put into perspective these establishments in a synthesis of settlement dynamics between the second century B.C. and the sixth century A.D. Antiquity forms the time frame of this work, and although traces of occupation of prehistoric, protohistoric and medieval soil have not been disregarded. The realization of several excavation campaigns and diachronic archaeological surveys, associated with a ceramic assemblage inventory, constitute the fundamental basis of this study. On all study sites during surveys, the use of a handheld GPS has been generalized and thus all sites now benefit from real records. In an attempt to address the issues affecting settlement dynamics during antiquity, the approach adopted was that of a multi-scale spatial analysis, with the preferred use of a geographical information system specifically created for this task. The synthesis work explaining population dynamics in low Cèze valley relied on a corpus of 84 sites, which have been classified by means of statistical tools and spatialization through the use of GIS. This study therefore aims to give a first synthetic view of data from surveys and campaigns of archaeological excavation and, by placing them in their geographical context, to characterize rural gallo-roman settlements by showing their spatial and chronological evolution. The spatial analysis reported here is aimed at understanding the logic behind the rural settlement system by asking several questions : what are the methods of creation, disappearance or transformation of ancient establishments ? What interactions could they have had ? What is the place of the oppida in the habitat network during this period ? Or, to what extent do communication networks and traces of agricultural activity affect settlement dynamics ?