Environmental Archaeology: Building from Successes

Environmental archaeology has evolved considerably since the 1980’s, to a point where some countries have promulgated laws obligating such analyses to be performed in all archaeological investigations. Methods are now well established for most environmental disciplines, and the extent of possibilities has multiplied. However, too many archaeologists, even within the academic community, are reluctant to see the full potential of such analyses for understanding human behaviour.Environmental archaeology is a well known and a highly accepted method that relates to a better understanding of palaeoecology and palaeoeconomy; two fundamental aspects of past human lives. This session aims to present varied case studies across the Americas and abroad, whether through the study of faunal, botanical or insect remains, to emphasize the importance of biological studies in archaeology.Researchers studying environmental archaeology are invited to share the results of their investigations into past human ecology and economy.