Fire and its products: recent developments in geoarchaeological microscopy and multi-disciplinary analysis

Research into fires and pyrogenic materials found on archaeological sites has grown exponentially in the last decade or so, producing a large specialised body of innovative methods and major interpretative advances. This review examines those developments with respect to our understanding of fire contexts and the materials produced. Although often rooted in soil micromorphology, the approaches used now embrace a number of spectral techniques which have significantly augmented the interpretative value and quantitative integrity. Recent progress in both site-based and experimental studies is examined with a view to exploring some future directions for this growth area in our understanding the human past. • This review examines fire contexts and the materials produced or left behind. • Methods are often based on micromorphology but also use a range of spectral techniques. • Recent progress and innovations are examined with future directions discussed.