The Implementation of SedaDNA Analysis in Roman Archaeology in the Netherlands.
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2025-06-25
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en
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To research organic components of Roman life archaeologists use archaeozoology and archaeobotany. Organic material from the Roman period is susceptible to decay due to environmental factors. In order to combat challenges found with conventional research techniques, the analysis of sedimentary DNA is developing in the field of Roman archaeology. The aim of this paper was to research the potential contribution of sedaDNA to Roman archaeology in the Netherlands, and challenges found with its implementation. The research question that follows is, “To what extent can the implementation of sedaDNA analysis ensure a more accurate reconstruction of an archaeological site from the Roman period in the Netherlands, in relation to current bioarchaeological research methods?”. To answer the research question a literature study was done, combined with the outcome of three expert interviews with an archaeozoologist, and archaeobotanist, and a sedaDNA researcher. The study found that sedaDNA can currently perform on par with conventional research techniques. In order to improve its potential, more research should be done on the degradation, sampling, and processing of sedaDNA.
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