Geoarchaeology in the Absence of Layers
Large‐Scale Sampling From an Iron Age Urban Context in the Southern Levant
Bibliographic Data
Understanding the impact of erosion and postdepositional processes is essential for reconstructing site formation in ancient tells. At Tel 1 Burna, a multiperiod stratified site in the Shephelah region of central Israel, we integrate portable X‐ray fluorescence (pXRF), portable optically stimulated luminescence (pOSL), and organic residue analysis (ORA). Our aim is to assess how postdepositional processes shaped the archaeological record in Tel Burna, Israel. The results demonstrate that elemental patterns—particularly phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), and potassium (K)—can reveal occupation surfaces and destruction layers not visible macroscopically. High Ca corresponds to chalk‐based floors, elevated K to degraded mudbrick architecture, and enriched P to domestic activity or burning. A fire‐related destruction horizon in Stratum IV is suggested by the presence of high P in the decomposed mudbrick destruction layer, elevated K in both this layer and the underlying intact mudbrick, low Ca, strong luminescence signals, and the near absence of lipids, suggesting thermal alteration of architectural materials. pOSL photon counts increase with depth and provide strong support for the stratigraphic integrity of the profile. Spatial variability, including the absence of Stratum III in downslope areas, highlights differential preservation across the site. Comparative data from regional soils reinforce the interpretation that carbonate‐rich, alkaline soils tend to retain P but allow greater K mobility. The study highlights how the integration of pXRF, pOSL, and biomolecular analysis can improve stratigraphic resolution in complex or eroded contexts, offering a rapid, non‐destructive toolkit for rescue archaeology and for identifying buried destruction events and mudbrick constructions in the southern Levant
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Multi-element mapping of anthropogenically modified soils and sediments at the Bronze to Iron Ages site of Tel Burna in the southern Levant
The contribution of Posl and PXRF to the discussion on sedimentary and site formation processes in archaeological contexts of the southern Levant and the interpretation of biblical strata at Tel Burna
Mapping an archaeological site
High-resolution investigation of a conflagration event in the North-East Temple at Lachish via integration of forensic, stratigraphic and geoarchaeological evidence
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Advances in Archaeological Soil Chemistry in Central Europe
Large‐scale geochemical survey by pXRF spectrometry of archaeological settlements and features
Soil geochemical methods in archaeo‐geophysics
The role of geoarchaeology in the interpretation of fragmented buildings and occupation surfaces
Masters of mudbrick
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The Settlement History of Tel Burna
Identifying ancient manuring
Degradation of mud brick houses in an arid environment
Identification of Activity Areas by Multi-element Characterization of Sediments from Modern and Archaeological House Floors Using Inductively Coupled Plasma-atomic Emission Spectroscopy
Effects of migration of soil lipids on organic residues associated with buried potsherds
Revealing the invisible floor
Deciphering public spaces in urban contexts
Identifying Chemical Activity Residues on Prehistoric House Floors
PXRF method development for elemental analysis of archaeological soil
Understanding Archaeological Tells
Understanding conflagration of one-story mud-brick structures
| Unique citing works | 1 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 1 |
| Citation span | 2026 - 2026 (1) |
| Citation velocity | current |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 1 |