Organic residues are extracted from materials of archaeological interest by solvent extraction and subjected directly to high-temperature gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatographymass spectrometry (GC -MS). The use of hig h-temperature GC allows intact acyl lipids, e.g., triacylglycerols, diacylglycerols, monoacylglycerols and wax esters, to be analysed without prior degradation (e.g., saponification) to release constituent fatty acids and alcohols. Trimethylsilylation is employed to block protic sites in free fatty acids and hydroxylated components. The data obtained from temperature programmed GC and GC -MS analyses, employing im mo bi I ised a pola r (d i met hyl polysi loxane type) stationary phases, provide essentia I compositional information that would be lost if the more conventional degradative approach to acyl lipid analysis was adopted.

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In recent years, archaeology has interacted more and more with the physical sciences. In particular, chemical analysis has been established as a significant contributor to science‐based archaeology. The principal applications include compositional analysis of natural and synthetic materials and residues to ascertain artifact manufacturing processes and use; chemical and isotopic studies of biological remains and identification of plant and animal residues to investigate ancient diet, nutrition, and resource use; the determination of geographical sources of procurement or production of materials to establish long‐distance contact or trade; and the processes governing preservation and decay of materials and scientific investigation in the context of conservation and restoration. This article explores the role of chemical analysis in archaeology and highlights the importance of the findings in contributing to our understanding of the past. In particular, taking examples from the last 200 years, it demonstrates that chemical analysis of archaeological materials is not a routine application but one thatmust be informed by a thorough knowledge of the archaeological context, degradative processes, and material – environment interactions. Case studies span a wide range of elemental, isotopic, and molecular investigations with a bibliography comprising nearly 200 publications.

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The authors discuss the first evidence for the use of birch-bark tar on Late Neolithic pottery from Greece. This appears to have been used for two different purposes, to seal a fracture and to line the interior walls. The authors also discuss other possible uses.