New integrated molecular approaches for investigating lake settlements in north-western Europe

Brown, A.G, Fonville, T, van Hardenbroek, M, Cavers, G, Crone, A, McCormick, F, Murray, E, Mackay, H, Whitehouse, N.J, Henderson, A, Barratt, P, Davies, K.L ORCID: 0000-0002-1748-9442, Head, K, Langdon, P, Alsos, I.G and Pirrie, D (2022) 'New integrated molecular approaches for investigating lake settlements in north-western Europe.' Antiquity, 96 (389). pp. 1179-1199.

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Abstract

Lake settlements, particularly crannogs, pose several contradictions—visible yet inaccessible, widespread yet geographically restricted, persistent yet vulnerable. To further our understanding, we developed the integrated use of palaeolimnological (scanning XRF, pollen, spores, diatoms, chironomids, Cladocera, microcharcoal, biogenic silica, SEM-EDS, stable-isotopes) and biomolecular (faecal stanols, bile acids, sedaDNA) analyses of crannog cores in south-west Scotland and Ireland. Both can be effective methods sets for revealing occupation chronologies and identifying on-crannog activities and practices. Strong results from sedaDNA and lipid biomarker analyses demonstrate probable on-site animal slaughter, food storage and possible feasting, suggesting multi-period, elite site associations, and the storage and protection of valuable resources.

Item Type:	Article
UN SDGs:	Goal 15: Life on Land
Keywords:	Ireland, Scotland, lake settlements, molecular archaeology, sedaDNA, lipid biomarkers, crannogs
Subjects:	G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > G Geography (General) G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GB Physical geography G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GE Environmental Sciences Q Science > QH Natural history
Divisions:	School of Sciences
Date Deposited:	16 Mar 2026 17:39
Last Modified:	16 Mar 2026 17:39
ISSN:	0003-598X
URN:	https://researchspace.bathspa.ac.uk/id/eprint/17627

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