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Environmental Archaeology - ENVARCH

Environmental Archaeology - ENVARCH


The environmental archaeology group (ENVARCH) aims to document and improve our understanding of the economic, social, cultural and biological diversity of our ancestors and of their interaction with the environment to identify the mechanisms of change leading us to our current state. This goal is addressed by combining several scientific disciplines dedicated to the study of the past through the analysis of stone tools (lithic technology, use-wear analysis), sediments (geoarchaeology), and plant (archaeobotany), animal (zooarchaeology) and human (biological anthropology) remains from prehistoric times to the present day. Specific research interests include: the chronological development, evolution and diversification of culture; the use and management of animal, plant and geological resources; the characterisation and evolution of environments in the course of time and their impact upon peoples´ lives. ENVARCH participates in scientific projects concerning archaeology and environmental changes. Our team has implemented innovative studies of both natural and human selection and pressure related changes of biological specimens with a diachronic perspective, namely by: undertaking morphometric studies; contributing well-documented specimens for genetic analyses; critically examining the archaeological record to retrieve past behaviours; and evaluating the impact of environmental changes on human geography.

ENVARCH manages and augments large reference collections of animal bones (especially mammals, birds and fish) and plant remains (pollen, seeds, wood and charcoal), and is collaborating in the creation of the first collection of experimentally burned human skeletons. These collections are available for students and investigators from other national and international institutions. Engagement with the community includes thorough efforts to promote scientific knowledge and an awareness of the importance of protecting Archaeological Heritage and the Environment.

This interdisciplinary group, which has João Pedro Tereso as coordinator and Marina de Araújo Igreja as vice-coordinator, includes teams from two different institutions: the DGPC laboratory (Lisbon) and the CIBIO-InBIO (Porto).

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