Anthracology and xylology:
charcoal and wood species analysis

Anthracology, widely used in archaeology, is based on the detailed study of wood charcoal, often found in combustion structures (fireplaces, ovens, habitats). It enables us to :

• Determine the origin of the sample (type of wood, e.g. heart, branch or twig) and the nature of the wood (pine, oak, chestnut, etc.).
• Identify woody taxa using three-dimensional observations (transverse, tangential and radial axes).
• Reconstruct wood harvesting and utilization practices.
• Interpreting sourcing strategies: preference for heartwood or young branches, depending on use (combustion, construction).

We use high-resolution digital microscopes to compare observed structures with taxonomic references.

Example: In prehistoric contexts, the anthracological study of fireplaces enables us to determine whether already dead or freshly cut wood has been used, providing information on the dynamics of human occupation on archaeological sites.

Anatomical wood analysis enables us to study the structural characteristics of wood species. This approach provides essential information on :

• Past climatic conditions, by analyzing anatomical anomalies (disturbed growth rings).
• Forest resource management practices (selection of particular species for specific uses).

The data obtained are cross-referenced with paleoecological models to reconstruct dynamic landscapes and describe climatic constraints (dry, cold periods).

Our teams also carry out wood composition and charcoal analyses to provide maximum information on the wood, the branches and sometimes even the type of forest management from which the wood was taken.

Xylology uses the analysis of wood anatomical features to :

• Identify woody taxa at the species level (sessile oak, chestnut, etc.).
• Analyze regional differences in wood to trace its origins.

Here's a concrete example: a comparison between wood collected from a medieval site and our database revealed supplies from distant forests, testifying to complex exchange networks.

In archaeology, xylology can be used to identify tree species and establish a map of settlements and thus define hypotheseson the geographical origin of artifacts.

Dendrochronology is based on the measurement of wood growth rings, enabling dating to the nearest year in the best of cases. In some cases, it can be used to refine carbon-14 dating, which can be imprecise (intervals of several hundred years). This method makes it possible to :

• Analysis of climatic anomalies: shrinkage of rings linked to drought or avalanche episodes. Narrow rings indicate fairly dense woodland, and conversely, wide rings indicate sparse woodland.
• Reconstruction of ancient forest environments, identifying periods of over-exploitation.
• The occurrence of exceptional weather conditions at the time, such as natural disasters (fires, avalanches, etc.).

Limits and prospects: The accuracy of this method relies on local references and the availability of detailed abacuses adapted to the wood species and regions studied. To constantly improve these databases, our teams work in partnership with specialized international institutes.