Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) Nuclear Archaeology Program Archives

The Nuclear Archaeology Program at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) was one of the first-generation archaeometry labs in the world, operating between the 1960s and the early 1990s (Asaro and Adan-Bayewitz 2007). While in operation, the Berkeley lab produced compositional data on an estimated 10,000 archaeological samples, mostly by neutron activation and X-ray fluorescence. Although well known for analysis of pottery from the Mediterranean and the Middle East, LBNL also analyzed over 300 archaeological specimens from the Americas and over 800 specimens from Africa.

This database covers data from the initiation of NAA at LBNL in the late 1960s until the late 1980s. In 2006, an archive of the LBNL was transferred to the Archaeometry Laboratory at the University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) for digitization, curation, and public distribution. Materials transferred to MURR are in varying stages of completeness and include surplus powders, over 6000 pages of laboratory correspondence and hand-written descriptions of archaeological specimens, over 3000 photographs, approximately 1000 pages of irradiation records, five two-drawer file cabinets of COM microfiche, and 20 bound volumes of elemental abundances. The massive amount of compositional data in the archive, and the presence of detailed descriptive data provide the most thorough record in existence of the LBNL’s archaeometric research. In addition to archaeological and geochemical data, the LBNL archive contains a substantial amount of historical documentation including correspondence, records of transfer, and solicitation letters, making it an ideal primary source of data for the history of archaeometry and archaeology.

Since 2006, the MURR Archaeometry Laboratory has worked to digitize the records and information in the LBNL archive. These efforts have focused on stabilizing the LBNL archive and producing a digital copy suitable for future research. In 2011, Matthew T. Boulanger and Michael D. Glascock of the MURR laboratory were awarded a grant from Digital Antiquity to finalize work on the LBNL archives and make these data available through tDAR. That initial posting (v.1) contained records for 8253 specimens of pottery analyzed at LBNL, of which, chemical data for 5308 (64%) had been located. In July 2014, all of the data files were updated to reflect additional data that had been located and digitized in the intervening 3.5 years. The updated files (v.2) contain records for 8462 specimens, of which 7386 (87%) have accompanying chemical data. Chemical data for approximately 50 additional specimens exist in the offline database at MURR.

Although every effort has been made to ensure that these data are accurate to the original source documents, errors may yet exist. Any errors or inconsistencies may be brought to the attention of the MURR Archaeometry Laboratory.

Site Name Keywords
Unprovenienced • Tel Ashdod • Acuchimay • Ayacucho • Carmenca • Chakipampa • Churukana • Conchopata • Cuzco • Huari

Site Type Keywords
Domestic Structure or Architectural Complex • Settlements • Town / City • Funerary and Burial Structures or Features • Tomb • Cemetery • Archaeological Feature • Kiln • Domestic Structures • Resource Extraction / Production / Transportation Structure or Features

Other Keywords
Neutron Activation Analysis • Compositional Analysis • Ceramic Composition • Ceramic Analysis • Neutron Activation • Source Analysis • Geochemistry • Geochemical Analysis • Terra Sigillata • Ceramic Analyis

Culture Keywords
Roman • Greek • Bronze Age • Cypriot • Late Bronze Age • Mycenaean • Neolithic • Helladic • Late Cypriot • Islamic

Investigation Types
Collections Research

Material Types
Ceramic

Temporal Keywords
Roman • Medieval • Late Bronze Age • Bronze Age • Late Cypriot • Middle Bronze Age • Middle Cypriot • Neolithic • Late Helladic III B • Mycenaean III A

Geographic Keywords
Asia (Continent) • Europe (Continent) • Hellenic Republic (Country) • GR (ISO Country Code) • Africa (Continent) • Republic of Cyprus (Country) • CY (ISO Country Code) • IL (ISO Country Code) • State of Israel (Country) • Peloponnisos (State / Territory)

Resources Inside This Collection (Viewing 101-134 of 134)

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Neutron Activation Analysis of Ceramics from Israel and the Palestinian Territories
  • Magdala Ceramics: Photographs (2011)
    IMAGE Uploaded by: Matthew Boulanger

    These images show the individual sherds from Magdala analyzed by neutron activation at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). Photographs were taken at LBNL and scanned by the Archaeometry Laboratory at MURR. Individual files were named according to the official catalog numbers of each image assigned by the Graphic Arts Department at LBNL.

  • Meiron Ceramics: Photographs (2011)
    IMAGE Matthew Boulanger. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

    These images show the individual sherds from Meiron analyzed by neutron activation at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). Photographs were taken at LBNL and scanned by the Archaeometry Laboratory at MURR. Individual files were named according to the official catalog numbers of each image assigned by the Graphic Arts Department at LBNL.

  • Ramla Ceramics: Photographs (2011)
    IMAGE Matthew Boulanger. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

    These images show the individual sherds from Ramla analyzed by neutron activation at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). Photographs were taken at LBNL and scanned by the Archaeometry Laboratory at MURR. Individual files were named according to the official catalog numbers of each image assigned by the Graphic Arts Department at LBNL.

  • Tel Ashdod Ceramics: Photographs (2011)
    IMAGE Matthew Boulanger. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

    These images show the individual sherds from Tel Ashdod analyzed by neutron activation at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). Photographs were taken at LBNL and scanned by the Archaeometry Laboratory at MURR. Individual files were named according to the official catalog numbers of each image assigned by the Graphic Arts Department at LBNL.

  • Tell Ajjul Ceramics: Photographs (2011)
    IMAGE Matthew Boulanger. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

    These images show the individual sherds from Tell Ajjul analyzed by neutron activation at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). Photographs were taken at LBNL and scanned by the Archaeometry Laboratory at MURR. Individual files were named according to the official catalog numbers of each image assigned by the Graphic Arts Department at LBNL.

  • Tell Arad Ceramics: Photographs (2011)
    IMAGE Matthew Boulanger. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

    These images show the individual sherds from Tell Arad analyzed by neutron activation at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). Photographs were taken at LBNL and scanned by the Archaeometry Laboratory at MURR. Individual files were named according to the official catalog numbers of each image assigned by the Graphic Arts Department at LBNL.

  • Tell el Hessi Ceramics: Photographs (2011)
    IMAGE Matthew Boulanger. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

    These images show the individual sherds from Tell el Hessi analyzed by neutron activation at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). Photographs were taken at LBNL and scanned by the Archaeometry Laboratory at MURR. Individual files were named according to the official catalog numbers of each image assigned by the Graphic Arts Department at LBNL.

  • Tiberias Ceramics: Photographs (2011)
    IMAGE Matthew Boulanger. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

    These images show the individual sherds from Tiberias analyzed by neutron activation at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). Photographs were taken at LBNL and scanned by the Archaeometry Laboratory at MURR. Individual files were named according to the official catalog numbers of each image assigned by the Graphic Arts Department at LBNL.

Neutron Activation Analysis of Ceramics from Italy
  • Arezzo Ceramics: Photographs (2011)
    IMAGE Uploaded by: Matthew Boulanger

    These images show the individual sherds from Arezzo, Italy analyzed by neutron activation at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). Photographs were taken at LBNL and scanned by the Archaeometry Laboratory at MURR. Individual files were named according to the official catalog numbers of each image assigned by the Graphic Arts Department at LBNL.

  • Bolsena Ceramics: Photographs (2011)
    IMAGE Matthew Boulanger. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

    These images show the individual sherds from Bolsena, Italy analyzed by neutron activation at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). Photographs were taken at LBNL and scanned by the Archaeometry Laboratory at MURR. Individual files were named according to the official catalog numbers of each image assigned by the Graphic Arts Department at LBNL.

  • Cales Ceramics: Photographs (2011)
    IMAGE Matthew Boulanger. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

    These images show the individual sherds from Cales, Italy analyzed by neutron activation at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). Photographs were taken at LBNL and scanned by the Archaeometry Laboratory at MURR. Individual files were named according to the official catalog numbers of each image assigned by the Graphic Arts Department at LBNL.

  • Cincelli Ceramics: Photographs (2011)
    IMAGE Matthew Boulanger. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

    These images show the individual sherds from Cincelli, Italy analyzed by neutron activation at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). Photographs were taken at LBNL and scanned by the Archaeometry Laboratory at MURR. Individual files were named according to the official catalog numbers of each image assigned by the Graphic Arts Department at LBNL.

  • Cosa Ceramics: Photographs (2011)
    IMAGE Matthew Boulanger. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

    These images show the individual sherds from Cosa, Italy analyzed by neutron activation at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). Photographs were taken at LBNL and scanned by the Archaeometry Laboratory at MURR. Individual files were named according to the official catalog numbers of each image assigned by the Graphic Arts Department at LBNL.

  • Ostia Ceramics: Photographs (2011)
    IMAGE Matthew Boulanger. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

    These images show the individual sherds from Ostia, Italy analyzed by neutron activation at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). Photographs were taken at LBNL and scanned by the Archaeometry Laboratory at MURR. Individual files were named according to the official catalog numbers of each image assigned by the Graphic Arts Department at LBNL.

  • Pisa Ceramics: Photographs (2011)
    IMAGE Matthew Boulanger. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

    These images show the individual sherds from Pisa, Italy analyzed by neutron activation at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). Photographs were taken at LBNL and scanned by the Archaeometry Laboratory at MURR. Individual files were named according to the official catalog numbers of each image assigned by the Graphic Arts Department at LBNL.

  • Pouzzoles Ceramics: Photographs (2011)
    IMAGE Matthew Boulanger. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

    These images show the individual sherds from Pouzzoles, Italy analyzed by neutron activation at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). Photographs were taken at LBNL and scanned by the Archaeometry Laboratory at MURR. Individual files were named according to the official catalog numbers of each image assigned by the Graphic Arts Department at LBNL.

  • Rome Ceramics: Photographs (2011)
    IMAGE Matthew Boulanger. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

    These images show the individual sherds from Rome, Italy analyzed by neutron activation at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). Photographs were taken at LBNL and scanned by the Archaeometry Laboratory at MURR. Individual files were named according to the official catalog numbers of each image assigned by the Graphic Arts Department at LBNL.

Neutron Activation Analysis of Ceramics from Jordan
  • Petra Ceramics: Photographs (2011)
    IMAGE Matthew Boulanger. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

    These images show the individual sherds from Petra analyzed by neutron activation at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). Photographs were taken at LBNL and scanned by the Archaeometry Laboratory at MURR. Individual files were named according to the official catalog numbers of each image assigned by the Graphic Arts Department at LBNL.

Neutron Activation Analysis of Ceramics from Niger
  • Adrar Bous Ceramics: Photographs (2011)
    IMAGE Matthew Boulanger. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

    These images show the individual sherds from Adrar Bous analyzed by neutron activation at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). Photographs were taken at LBNL and scanned by the Archaeometry Laboratory at MURR. Individual files were named according to the official catalog numbers of each image assigned by the Graphic Arts Department at LBNL.

  • Adrar Madet Ceramics: Photographs (2011)
    IMAGE Matthew Boulanger. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

    These images show the individual sherds from Adrar Madet analyzed by neutron activation at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). Photographs were taken at LBNL and scanned by the Archaeometry Laboratory at MURR. Individual files were named according to the official catalog numbers of each image assigned by the Graphic Arts Department at LBNL.

Neutron Activation Analysis of Ceramics from Nigeria
  • Ilesha Ceramics: Photographs (2011)
    IMAGE Matthew Boulanger. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

    These images show the individual sherds from Ilesha analyzed by neutron activation at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). Photographs were taken at LBNL and scanned by the Archaeometry Laboratory at MURR. Individual files were named according to the official catalog numbers of each image assigned by the Graphic Arts Department at LBNL.

  • Old Oyo Ceramics: Photographs (2011)
    IMAGE Matthew Boulanger. Lawrence Berkely National Laboratory.

    These images show the individual sherds from Old Oyo analyzed by neutron activation at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). Photographs were taken at LBNL and scanned by the Archaeometry Laboratory at MURR. Individual files were named according to the official catalog numbers of each image assigned by the Graphic Arts Department at LBNL.

Neutron Activation Analysis of Ceramics from Oman
  • Bidi Ceramics: Photographs (2011)
    IMAGE Matthew Boulanger. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

    These images show the individual sherds from Bidi analyzed by neutron activation at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). Photographs were taken at LBNL and scanned by the Archaeometry Laboratory at MURR. Individual files were named according to the official catalog numbers of each image assigned by the Graphic Arts Department at LBNL.

  • Jazirat al Ghanam Ceramics: Photographs (2011)
    IMAGE Matthew Boulanger. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

    These images show the individual sherds from Jazirat al Ghanam analyzed by neutron activation at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). Photographs were taken at LBNL and scanned by the Archaeometry Laboratory at MURR. Individual files were named according to the official catalog numbers of each image assigned by the Graphic Arts Department at LBNL.

  • Old Ghubb Ali Ceramics: Phototgraphs (2011)
    IMAGE Matthew Boulanger. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

    These images show the individual sherds from Old Ghubb Ali analyzed by neutron activation at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). Photographs were taken at LBNL and scanned by the Archaeometry Laboratory at MURR. Individual files were named according to the official catalog numbers of each image assigned by the Graphic Arts Department at LBNL.

Neutron Activation Analysis of Ceramics from Peru
  • Peruvian Ceramics: Photographs (2011)
    IMAGE Matthew Boulanger. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

    These images show the individual sherds from Peru analyzed by neutron activation at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). Photographs were taken at LBNL and scanned by the Archaeometry Laboratory at MURR. Individual files were named according to the official catalog numbers of each image assigned by the Graphic Arts Department at LBNL.

Neutron Activation Analysis of Ceramics from Sudan
  • Debba Ceramics: Photographs (2011)
    IMAGE Matthew Boulanger. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

    These images show the individual sherds from Debba analyzed by neutron activation at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). Photographs were taken at LBNL and scanned by the Archaeometry Laboratory at MURR. Individual files were named according to the official catalog numbers of each image assigned by the Graphic Arts Department at LBNL.

  • Khartoum Ceramics: Photographs (2011)
    IMAGE Matthew Boulanger. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

    These images show the individual sherds from Khartoum analyzed by neutron activation at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). Photographs were taken at LBNL and scanned by the Archaeometry Laboratory at MURR. Individual files were named according to the official catalog numbers of each image assigned by the Graphic Arts Department at LBNL.

  • Meroë Ceramics: Photographs (2011)
    IMAGE Matthew Boulanger. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

    These images show the individual sherds from Meroë (Meroe) analyzed by neutron activation at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). Photographs were taken at LBNL and scanned by the Archaeometry Laboratory at MURR. Individual files were named according to the official catalog numbers of each image assigned by the Graphic Arts Department at LBNL.

  • Shaheinab Ceramics: Photographs (2011)
    IMAGE Matthew Boulanger. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

    These images show the individual sherds from Shaheinab analyzed by neutron activation at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). Photographs were taken at LBNL and scanned by the Archaeometry Laboratory at MURR. Individual files were named according to the official catalog numbers of each image assigned by the Graphic Arts Department at LBNL.

  • Wadi Halfa Ceramics: Photographs (2011)
    IMAGE Matthew Boulanger. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

    These images show the individual sherds from Wadi Halfa analyzed by neutron activation at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). Photographs were taken at LBNL and scanned by the Archaeometry Laboratory at MURR. Individual files were named according to the official catalog numbers of each image assigned by the Graphic Arts Department at LBNL.

Neutron Activation Analysis of Ceramics from Turkey
  • Gordion Ceramics: Photographs (2011)
    IMAGE Matthew Boulanger. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

    These images show the individual sherds from Gordion analyzed by neutron activation at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). Photographs were taken at LBNL and scanned by the Archaeometry Laboratory at MURR. Individual files were named according to the official catalog numbers of each image assigned by the Graphic Arts Department at LBNL.

  • Sardis Ceramics: Photographs (2011)
    IMAGE Matthew Boulanger. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

    These images show the individual sherds from Sardis analyzed by neutron activation at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). Photographs were taken at LBNL and scanned by the Archaeometry Laboratory at MURR. Individual files were named according to the official catalog numbers of each image assigned by the Graphic Arts Department at LBNL.

Neutron Activation Analysis of Ceramics from Uzbekistan
  • Bukhara Ceramics: Photographs (2011)
    IMAGE Matthew Boulanger. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

    These images show the individual sherds from Bukhara analyzed by neutron activation at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). Photographs were taken at LBNL and scanned by the Archaeometry Laboratory at MURR. Individual files were named according to the official catalog numbers of each image assigned by the Graphic Arts Department at LBNL.