Biomolecular archaeology and lipids

Abstract

Medium‐sized biomolecules, particularly lipids, can frequently be detected in ancient materials. The structures and compositions of mixtures of lipids can provide direct evidence for their origin, and hence, evidence for human activity in the past. An important concept in the field of biomolecular archaeology of lipids is that of ‘biomarkers’. Archaeological biomarkers are characteristic compounds (or mixtures of compounds) found in archaeological materials that can be matched to those present in contemporary materials likely to have been exploited in antiquity. Some of the general principles surrounding the use of lipid biomarkers, including their properties, origins, means of detection, characterization, modes of preservation and decay, and application to archaeological investigation, are discussed in this article. Examples are presented to illustrate the scope of the biomolecular archaeology of lipids and some remarks are made concerning possible areas of future development.