Advanced Diagnostics Applied to Archaeological Sites
A.Y. 2026/2027
Learning objectives
The aim of this course is to provide the student with the basic knowledge necessary for the description and characterization of archaeological deposits under the microscope.
Expected learning outcomes
Ability to describe thin sections of archaeological deposits under the microscope and to interpret their description.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Course syllabus
Micromorphology of thin sections: history, undisturbed samples, sampling and preparation, the polarizing microscope.
The thin sections description of soils and archaeological deposits: descriptive criteria and basic concepts (fabric, microstructure, mineral and organic constituents, groundmass, C / F ratio, pedofeatures).
The micromorphology for palaeoenvironmental reconstruction: the frost features, the coarse illuviation, the onset of dry conditions, the formation of calcareous crusts, the relict features.
The micromorphology as geoarchaeological tool: features related to land use and to activities in settlement sites (pastoralism, hearths, floors, urban areas).
The thin sections description of soils and archaeological deposits: descriptive criteria and basic concepts (fabric, microstructure, mineral and organic constituents, groundmass, C / F ratio, pedofeatures).
The micromorphology for palaeoenvironmental reconstruction: the frost features, the coarse illuviation, the onset of dry conditions, the formation of calcareous crusts, the relict features.
The micromorphology as geoarchaeological tool: features related to land use and to activities in settlement sites (pastoralism, hearths, floors, urban areas).
Prerequisites for admission
To follow this course profitably, knowledge of the basic concepts of Earth sciences is recommended.
Teaching methods
ectures - traditional dispensing.
Individual use of the microscope is envisaged.
Individual use of the microscope is envisaged.
Teaching Resources
- Verrecchia E.P. & Trombino L. (2021). A Visual Atlas for Soil Micromorphologists. Springer Nature Switzerland.
Free (open access) electronic version: https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-030-67806-7
- Cremaschi M. (2000). Manuale di Geoarcheologia. Editori Laterza, Roma-Bari.
- Bullock P., Fedoroff N., Jongerius A., Stoops G. & Tursina T. (1985). Handbook for Soil Thin Section Description. Waine Research Publications, Wolverhampton.
- Courty, M.A, Goldberg, P. & Macphail, R. (1989). Soils and micromorphology in archaeology. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.
- Stoops G. (2003). Guidelines for analysis and description of soil and regolith thin sections. Soil Science Society of America, Inc., Madison, Wisconsin, USA.
- Stoops G., Marcelino V. & Mees F. (2018). Interpretation of Micromorphological Features of Soils and Regoliths. Elsevier, Oxford.
Free (open access) electronic version: https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-030-67806-7
- Cremaschi M. (2000). Manuale di Geoarcheologia. Editori Laterza, Roma-Bari.
- Bullock P., Fedoroff N., Jongerius A., Stoops G. & Tursina T. (1985). Handbook for Soil Thin Section Description. Waine Research Publications, Wolverhampton.
- Courty, M.A, Goldberg, P. & Macphail, R. (1989). Soils and micromorphology in archaeology. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.
- Stoops G. (2003). Guidelines for analysis and description of soil and regolith thin sections. Soil Science Society of America, Inc., Madison, Wisconsin, USA.
- Stoops G., Marcelino V. & Mees F. (2018). Interpretation of Micromorphological Features of Soils and Regoliths. Elsevier, Oxford.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam consists of the observation under the microscope of one thin section of archaeological deposit, and an oral discussion with questions relating to the observations conducted, at the end of which a mark expressed out of thirty will be recorded. Honors will be given when the level of preparation is more than excellent. The final evaluation will consider the acquired knowledge (60%) and the ability to organize and illustrate the arguments (30%) and the expository skills (10%).
GEOS-03/A - Physical Geography and Geomorphology - University credits: 6
Lessons: 48 hours
Professor:
Trombino Luca
Professor(s)
Reception:
On appointment
In my office, Via Mangiagalli 34, 2nd floor, room 77