Unraveling Social Dynamics through Archaeological Science

Social archaeology and archaeological sciences are expanding and innovative fields of archaeological research that do not collaborate as often as they could or should. Their potential for intellectual cross-fertilization is significant, but still underexploited. The aim of this session is to illustrate how the methods of the archaeological sciences (aka archaeometry) can be used to address issues beyond subsistence and technology, in order to explore the social dynamics of past populations. Concepts such as agency, body, identity, gender, household, memory, symbols, power, and materiality often serve as the bonding element between the material and social dimensions of landscapes, sites and artifacts. This session will bring together archaeologists who dissect the social dimensions of past societies using theseconcepts and methodologies, regardless of the time period, geographic area or theoretical framework they navigate in. Our intent is to create an open and inspiring discussion on scientific ways to unravel ancient social dynamics.