Abstract

Organic residue analysis (ORA) has emerged as a pivotal field of archaeological science. After an introduction to ORA, I will focus on the application of GC-MS (Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry) for the analysis of organic residue extracted from archaeological ceramics. Using case studies, I will address potential and limitations of this methodology for generating new scientific proxies and complementary insights into both transmarine and regional trade and supply, local patterns of production and consumption, cooking and eating practices, function/use and reuse of vessels and, more in general, the political ecology of Mediterranean food systems and networks.

Dr. Silvia Polla's research focuses on the use of scientific techniques for the study of archaeological landscapes and past socio-economic systems, i.e. GIS-based spatial analysis and archaeometry, in particular organic residues analysis (ORA).