Archaeology, History and Science: Integrating Approaches to Ancient Materials (University College London Institute of Archaeology) - Softcover

Marcos Martinón-Torres is Lecturer in Archaeological Science and Material Culture at the Institute of Archaeology, University College London. With degrees in history, archaeology and archaeological science, he has a special interest in the integration of different research approaches to past materials and technologies, and the way in which these inform about human theories, perceptions and actions. Most of his research has focused on medieval and post-medieval metallurgy and crucible technology, with a strong emphasis on the study of alchemical and metallurgical laboratories, and the processing of noble metals. He is also interested in the transfer of material culture and ideas between indigenous peoples and Europeans in colonial contexts. He currently works in projects in Europe, America and China.Thilo Rehren is Professor for Archaeological Materials and Technologies at the Institute of Archaeology, University College London. His academic background includes a first degree and PhD in mineralogy and petrology, and a habilitation in archaeometallurgy. He is particularly interested in reconstructing high-temperature production processes for metals and glass, and the interplay between natural, system-driven aspects of technology and the role of human choice and activity in mastering past technologies. He has worked extensively on a range of metals, specifically lead and silver smelting, silver refining, crucible technology in general, Islamic crucible steel production, Roman zinc and Roman and medieval brass making, and early platinum, tin and tungsten production. More recently, he has jointly with Edgar Pusch identified the first firm evidence for Egyptian glass making, at Qantir-Pi-Ramesse in the Nile Delta. He is editor of the Journal of Archaeological Science, and currently serves as the president of the Society for Archaeological Sciences.