This entry-level workshop will introduce participants from the fields of history and archaeology to the palaeoecological sciences and their relevance to historical and archaeological research. Beginning with an overview of palaeoecology, how it works and how it can be used, the program will offer brief surveys of a number of key ecological sciences: stable isotope analysis and sedimentary geochemistry: speleothems, ice cores, palynology and dendrochronology; C14 dating, multi-proxy data, and more. The focus will be on pollen analysis, including data presentation, reconstruction of past vegetation, climate and land cover, and sampling strategies.

In particular, the program will explain how such proxies are interpreted, the conceptual basis for the reconstructions derived from them, and the assumptions, uncertainties, and statistical methods for data transformation that accompany their use. While we will focus on the Mediterranean Basin as a case study, examples will also be drawn on from other world regions, including temperate Europe and North America.

The program consists of a series of 18 x 3 hour sessions over 9 days. Seminars will convene in Scheide Caldwell and in Guvot Hall. There will be some preparatory reading - a very short bibliography will be issued nearer the time!

Application Process and Deadlines

There is a limited number of places available. Those interested should submit a brief statement of interest (no more than 200 words), with their current position/program at Princeton, to John Haldon ([email protected]) by November 30th 2024. The subject line of the email should read "Application for palaeoscience workshop.” Successful applicants will be notified by December 1st, 2024.