Archaeology, traditionally rooted in excavation and textual analysis, has been profoundly transformed by the advent of archaeometry. This interdisciplinary field applies scientific methods and cutting-edge technology to archaeological study, moving beyond mere description to provide quantitative data about ancient materials and environments. Its primary purpose is to extract hidden information from archaeological artifacts and sites, offering unprecedented insights into past human activities, technologies, and societal structures.

At its core, archaeometry seeks to answer fundamental questions that traditional archaeological methods often cannot. What material is this artifact made of? Where did the raw materials come from? How old is it? How was it manufactured? What did ancient people eat? By leveraging techniques from physics, chemistry, geology, and biology, archaeometry provides precise answers, allowing archaeologists to reconstruct the past with far greater accuracy and nuance, enriching our understanding of human history.

One of the most impactful applications of archaeometry is dating. Techniques like radiocarbon dating, thermoluminescence, and optically stimulated luminescence provide absolute chronologies for sites and artifacts, helping to sequence events and understand temporal contexts. These scientific dating methods have revolutionized our understanding of prehistory, pushing back timelines and refining the narrative of human evolution and migration across the globe.

Archaeometry also excels in provenance studies. By analyzing the chemical composition and trace elements of materials like pottery, obsidian, metals, and pigments, scientists can pinpoint their geographical origin. This allows archaeologists to reconstruct ancient trade routes, exchange networks, and patterns of interaction between different regions and cultures, revealing the economic and social complexities of past societies.

The growth of archaeometry in archaeology has been steadily increasing since its formal recognition in the mid-20th century. What began with basic dating methods has expanded to encompass a vast array of analytical techniques. This growth is driven by the development of more sophisticated scientific instruments and a growing recognition within archaeology of the need for quantitative, evidence-based data to support interpretations.