Biomolecular Archaeology

Abstract

Ancient biomolecules including DNA, proteins, and lipids are often preserved in archaeological skeletons or artifacts such as potsherds from cooking vessels. Techniques for analyzing these molecules have improved dramatically in recent years, though challenges remain in ensuring that results are authentic and not confused by the presence of contaminating modern biomolecules. Ancient DNA (aDNA) can be used to identify the sex, kinship relationships, and population affinities of human skeletons, and also to detect the presence of disease-causing organisms such as the plague and tuberculosis bacteria. Stable isotope ratios in collagen and other skeletal proteins enable past diets to be studied, and similar work with lipids from potsherds have revealed that dairying in Europe began 2,000 years earlier than previously thought. Biomolecular archaeology has therefore developed into a mature discipline that is making a significant contribution to different aspects of our understanding of the human past.