Abstract Journal link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-026-50080-6 The human ability to create manufactured substances is not a modern innovation. It began in the Middle Palaeolithic with the production of birch tar through dry…

Abstract Journal link: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/environmental-archaeology/articles/10.3389/fearc.2025.1736875/full Recent advances in biomolecular archaeology have enabled the detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and odor-active metabolites in archaeological materials, revealing the scents and olfactory environments…

Abstract Journal link: https://www.archaeopress.com/Archaeopress/Products/9781805830740 Scents of Arabia presents an innovative interdisciplinary exploration of the role of scents and incense in ancient Arabian societies. Bringing together leading experts in archaeology, biomolecular…

Abstract Journal link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-025-08096-7 The utilization of medicinal and psychoactive plants in the past represents a pivotal intersection of culture, health, and biodiversity. While such plants in Arabia have been…

Abstract Journal link: https://journals.uni-lj.si/DocumentaPraehistorica/article/view/20108 Systematic investigations of Bronze Age settlements in different regions of western Eur-asia have provided new insights into settlement structures, land use, and past mobile lifestyles. In…

Abstract Journal link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-46093-2 The origins and dispersal of the chicken across the ancient world remains one of the most enigmatic questions regarding Eurasian domesticated animals. The lack of agreement…

Link to full article: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41562-022-01325-7 Abstract Olfaction has profoundly shaped human experience and behaviour from the deep past through to the present day. Advanced biomolecular and ‘omics’ sciences enable more…

Abstract Journal link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-39393-y Ancient Egyptian mummification was practiced for nearly 4000 years as a key feature of some of the most complex mortuary practices documented in the archaeological record.…

Link to full article: https://theconversation.com/what-would-an-ancient-egyptian-corpse-have-smelled-like-pine-balsam-and-bitumen-if-you-were-nobility-212504

Journal: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4395/13/4/1027 Abstract The Prunus genus contains many of the most economically significant arboreal crops, cultivated globally, today. Despite the economic significance of these domesticated species, the pre-cultivation ranges, processes…

Journal: https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/27/10/3331 Abstract Biochemical and biomolecular archaeology is increasingly used to elucidate the consumption, use, origin, and trade of plants in the past. However, it can be challenging to use…

Link to full article: https://pam-journal.pl/resources/html/article/details?id=211306&language=en Abstract Dried resins such as frankincense or myrrh were important commodities in ancient societies due to their pleasant scent when burned. Burning aromatic fragrant smoke,…

Link to full article: https://publications.dainst.org/journals/efb/article/view/2161 Abstract Throughout the excavations at the oasis of Tayma, incense burners were discovered showing both traces of burning and residues of burnt aromatics. The multidisciplinary…