Science Meets History. Archaeometric Analysis of Indus Artefacts.
Résumé
"In this documentary, we take you to the remarkable archaeological site of Chanhu-Daro, where cutting-edge science meets ancient history. This video features an exclusive interview with Dr. Delphine, a French specialist in Archaeometry, who shares her expertise on the scientific analysis of artefacts discovered during the French Archaeological Mission in the Indus Basin – Field Season 2025 in Sindh. Archaeometry plays a crucial role in modern archaeology by applying scientific techniques from physics and chemistry to uncover the hidden composition of ancient materials. In this field season, advanced portable instruments were used directly on-site—an innovative step that allows researchers to analyze artefacts without removing them from their archaeological context. Through this interview, you will learn how: • Raman Spectroscopy helps identify the molecular composition of artefacts • X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) reveals the atomic elements present in materials • X-ray Diffraction (XRD) explains the crystalline structure of ancient objects • Portable microscopes provide detailed insights into surface characteristics From ceramics and pigments to beads such as carnelian, these scientific methods are helping researchers better understand ancient technologies, trade, and craftsmanship of the Indus Civilization. This fieldwork marks an important step in bringing laboratory-level analysis into the field, opening new possibilities for archaeological research in Pakistan" [Danish Ahmed Sheikh]
