Geochemical Indication of Functional Zones at the Archaeological Sites of Eastern Europe

Abstract

The article considers a new approach for determining the functional zones of the prehistoric archaeological sites in Eastern Europe by the method of geochemical indication: the use of mathematical statistics for processing the geochemical data of cultural deposits at archaeological sites, and the identification of groups of interrelated chemical elements and compounds that reflects the processes of natural sedimentation and anthropogenic activity. It makes it possible to separate the lithological and anthropogenic components. This approach is important for the identification of geochemical element groups associated with different functional zones. The reconstructions were conducted at the Neolithic, Early Metal Age, and the Bronze-Early Iron Age sites in Eastern Europe. Abnormal concentrations of the association (P2O5antr, CaOantr and Srantr) in sediments are attributed to zones of accumulation of bone remains. Anomalous concentrations of a group of elements (K2Oantr, Rbantr) in deposits are associated with wood ash and fireplaces, ash residues from ritual activities, and fires. The group of elements (Ba, MnO, Corg) reflects the accumulation of humus and organic remains, and can characterize areas with food residues, skins, and rotten wood. With the help of the distribution of the main lithological elements (SiO2, Al2O3) in sediments, it is possible to reconstruct the paleorelief at the sites.