When reconstructing the past, the archaeologist needs to take into account all kinds of relevant information. Where no written evidence is available, the natural sciences play an indispensable role. Troia is a remarkable site in this respect. The present Troia project, under the directorship of Manfred Korfmann, integrates various disciplines including geoarchaeology, archaeobotany, zooarchaeology, anthropology, geophysical prospection as well as chemical and technological studies of metal, stone and pottery. Hardly any other archaeological project is supported so intensely and on such a broad scale by archaeometric investigations as the international research group in Troia. In April 2001 an International Symposium was held in Heidelberg, Germany, with the aim of promoting scientific interaction and providing synopses of the various disciplines engaged in Troia.
Introduction.- Historical and Geological Context of the Troad.- Mineral Deposits and Materials.- Archaeobiology.- Landscape Change of the Troian Site and Plain.- Epilogue.
From the reviews: "The current volume comprises 25 archaeological science papers resulting from Korfmann's programme of fieldwork, originally presented at a conference ! . both the editors and publishers are to be congratulated on the rapidity with which this volume has appeared. ! As expected from a Springer publication, the volume is attractively presented and makes excellent use of colour illustrations. ! it will be a useful addition to libraries of institutions which have an interest in the east Mediterranean Bronze Age ! ." (Keith Wilkinson, The Holocene, Vol. 14 (5), 2004)