Soil chemical surveying: A path to a deeper understanding of prehistoric sites and societies in Sweden

Abstract

Abstract A large number of contract archaeological investigations have been conducted in Sweden over the last 10–15 years. In this article, the applicability of soil chemical surveying in connection with contract archaeology is discussed, focusing on soil sampling, soil magnetic susceptibility, and phosphate analysis. Results from case studies from an area of the west coast of southern Sweden are presented. The investigated sites cover periods ranging from the Bronze Age to the Late Iron Age/Medieval time (3500–1000 B.P.). Results show that the chemical loading of prehistoric settlements varies considerably both quantitatively and spatially depending on different socioeconomic strategies and behavior. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.