Wood Charcoal Analysis in Archaeology

TLDR: In this paper, historical and recent methodological developments in the field of wood charcoal analysis (anthracology) are discussed. But the focus of the paper is on the reconstruction of past vegetation cover, fuel wood use practices and palaeoecology.

Abstract: This chapter examines historical and recent methodological developments in the field of wood charcoal analysis (anthracology). A key aim is to outline various approaches to research questions relating to the reconstruction of past vegetation cover, fuel wood use practices and palaeoecology. Ethnoarchaeological, experimental and archaeological applications are discussed, in order to demonstrate how anthracologists have addressed the question of the representativeness of wood charcoal remains from archaeological sites in relation to fuel wood use and selection and how their study informs the reconstruction of past woodland composition and growth conditions and human impacts on the environment.