The development of advanced methodology for the structural, functional and chemical analysis of archaeological materials and items is the aim of our research within the Cluster of Excellence ROOTS. This involves a broad methodological spectrum and synergistic combinations of complementary (nano)analytical methods, including advanced X‐ray diffraction, spectroscopic methods and scanning as well as transmission electron microscopy. This shall enable novel identifiers of conflict dynamics and an examination of possible trade and resource routes for innovation and knowledge. The materials for this investigation are available from different regions of Europe and time periods, including the southern Baltic Sea region between 2200 BC and 1300 AD.

(a) Neolithic copper axe found at Eskilstorp in Southwest Scania near Malmö, Sweden; (b) Axe studied by means of energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) spectroscopy in a scanning electron microscope (FEI Dualbeam Helios Nanolab) to reveal the composition distribution.

--------------------------------------
Project by Khurram Saleem mks@tf.uni-kiel.de
Dr. Ulrich Schürmann and Prof. Dr. Lorenz Kienle