The application of sedaDNA to landscape archaeology
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Warwick
Department Name: School of Life Sciences
Abstract
The application of sedaDNA within landscape archaeology is a largely an untested method. The current application provides an opportunity to consider sedaDNA methodology, against a series of proxy palaeoenvironmental methods, within a strategic and high profile project.
The Stonehenge Hidden Landscapes Project undertook one of the largest terrestrial multi-sensor, archaeo-geophysical surveys in Britain. Covering c. 10 square kilometres around one of Britain's iconic archaeological monuments, this survey has generated thousands of potential archaeologic features and these have been described in a series of articles and are currently being prepared for a comprehensive publication. Whilst most features identified are interpretable or conform to known comparators several exceptional features remain unexplained and are, potentially of considerable importance. These include a series of massive geophysical anomalies related to one of the largest monuments in the region - the Durrington Wall Henge.
Initially interpreted as modern dewponds, a recent excavation identified 3 similar anomalies and interpreted these as, potentially, natural sinkholes with prehistoric fills. Further research identified no fewer than 15 similar features with a distribution essentially circling the later Neolithic Henge. These anomalies, and their suggestive distribution, were of sufficient interest to mount a separate exploratory campaign of high-resolution survey and coring proving that the magnetic anomalies represent pits 18 metres diameter and up to 4.8 metres deep. Coring also suggests that the position of some of these monuments on the Avon river terraces may provide conditions to test the boundaries of sedaDNA applications, whilst also seeking to assess the function of these peculiar, massive archaeological features
Methodology:
The proposed programme of work will enhance and extend our knowledge of these massive features and will include re-survey of all available features and coring across a series of features for palaeoenvironmental study and a broader dating programme. It is also intended to work within the landscape, and the Avon river terraces specifically, to provide a broader context to data from archaeological features. The PhD candidate will retrieve sedaDNA from samples of cores to assess taphonomy in the context of the monuments, and based on these findings determine to what extent sedaDNA can reveal about them in terms of their use and the depositional environment. Ancient DNA techniques for sedaDNA developed at Warwick will be followed using dedicated ancient DNA facilities and a world class research group. Next generation sequencing will be applied, combined with bioinformatic protocols to analyse data.
The Stonehenge Hidden Landscapes Project undertook one of the largest terrestrial multi-sensor, archaeo-geophysical surveys in Britain. Covering c. 10 square kilometres around one of Britain's iconic archaeological monuments, this survey has generated thousands of potential archaeologic features and these have been described in a series of articles and are currently being prepared for a comprehensive publication. Whilst most features identified are interpretable or conform to known comparators several exceptional features remain unexplained and are, potentially of considerable importance. These include a series of massive geophysical anomalies related to one of the largest monuments in the region - the Durrington Wall Henge.
Initially interpreted as modern dewponds, a recent excavation identified 3 similar anomalies and interpreted these as, potentially, natural sinkholes with prehistoric fills. Further research identified no fewer than 15 similar features with a distribution essentially circling the later Neolithic Henge. These anomalies, and their suggestive distribution, were of sufficient interest to mount a separate exploratory campaign of high-resolution survey and coring proving that the magnetic anomalies represent pits 18 metres diameter and up to 4.8 metres deep. Coring also suggests that the position of some of these monuments on the Avon river terraces may provide conditions to test the boundaries of sedaDNA applications, whilst also seeking to assess the function of these peculiar, massive archaeological features
Methodology:
The proposed programme of work will enhance and extend our knowledge of these massive features and will include re-survey of all available features and coring across a series of features for palaeoenvironmental study and a broader dating programme. It is also intended to work within the landscape, and the Avon river terraces specifically, to provide a broader context to data from archaeological features. The PhD candidate will retrieve sedaDNA from samples of cores to assess taphonomy in the context of the monuments, and based on these findings determine to what extent sedaDNA can reveal about them in terms of their use and the depositional environment. Ancient DNA techniques for sedaDNA developed at Warwick will be followed using dedicated ancient DNA facilities and a world class research group. Next generation sequencing will be applied, combined with bioinformatic protocols to analyse data.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
| Robin Allaby (Primary Supervisor) | |
| Teri Hansford (Student) |
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NE/S007350/1 | 01/10/2019 | 30/09/2027 | |||
| 2433031 | Studentship | NE/S007350/1 | 05/10/2020 | 31/03/2024 | Teri Hansford |