Physics Colloquium: Paleomagnetism and Archaeology in the Levant: Current Status and Future Potential

Abstract:

The archaeologically-rich landscape of the southern Levant (modern days Israel and Jordan) constitutes an important resource for studying the ancient geomagnetic field throughout the Holocene. However, it is only in recent years that substantial archaeomagnetic research has been taking place in this region. While investigation of directional changes is still lacking, the recent archaeomagnetic research has substantiated our knowledge regarding geomagnetic  intensity by providing a  high resolution record of changes and observations on unique features of the field’s behavior such as a rapid ‘spike’ in its strength recorded at about 3,000 BP (presenting the strongest values recorded so far).  In addition, the current research has important methodological contribution, including the systematic introduction of slag material as a paleomagnetic recorder. The presentation will detail recent achievements and future goals of archaeomagnetic research in the Levant, including potential for contribution to archaeology, applying the rapidly growing Levantine database as a dating tool.

Event Organiser: Prof. Alexander Gerber