Laboratory for dating
and analysis of archaeomaterials

Essential method, the carbon 14 dating (or radiocarbon dating) allows dating all organic materials (wood, bones, teeth, charcoal, mortar, etc.). To do this, our doctors and engineers measure the residual concentration of carbon 14 by AMS (particle accelerator coupled to a mass spectrometer).

Because every archaeological artifact is different, our scientific teams use a protocol adapted to each type of material (ABA treatment for charcoal, collagen extraction for bones).

Our results, delivered within 10 working days, include a detailed report and a customized analysis of the archaeological implications.

Visit thermoluminescence dating (TL) and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) are essential in archaeology for determining the age of materials such as fired clays, bricks, heated minerals, and sediments.

These techniques measure the irradiance accumulated in quartz and feldspar crystals since their last exposure to heat or light.

CIRAM supports, the only private laboratory in France to offer these services with a quality equivalent to that of university laboratories, uses state-of-the-art equipment to provide accurate and reliable dating, thus contributing to a better understanding of archaeological and historical contexts.

The carbon 14 dating is not the only technique in archaeometry. The analysis of stable isotopes carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, and strontium can provide many answers to archaeological problems.

Carbon, nitrogen, sulfur and strontium isotopes provide information on diets and population movements. Was the diet meat-based? Were animal proteins of terrestrial or marine origin? Were these individuals indigenous?

These analyses are carried out on bones and teeth, providing an in-depth insight into past lifestyles and cultural exchanges.

Visit archaeological artifacts (amphorae, earthenware pots, metal containers) often preserve traces of food, drinks, or cosmetic products. The analysis of organic residues makes it possible to identify dietary habits, culinary practices, and raw material exchanges.

CIRAM supports uses infrared spectrometry (FTIR-ATR) and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS) to detect and characterize these molecules, offering a precise reconstruction of ancient uses.

CIRAM supports offers non-destructive analysis using X-ray and 3D scanner to examine the condition of artifacts. These techniques reveal the internal structure, identify hidden elements and enable the virtual excavation of funerary urns.

Thanks to our portable X-ray system, we can intervene on site in real time.

Tomography or CT scan enables three-dimensional visualization of the homogeneity of an object, its state of preservation or the identification of manufacturing techniques, and, if necessary, a virtual excavation.

Far from being limited to carbon-14 dating, CIRAM supports propose the study of wood (xylology) and of wood charcoal (anthracology).

The xylology identifies the species used by artisans, allowing hypotheses to be made about the geographical origin of the materials. Anthracology, it reconstructs the ancient vegetal environment and preserves from the "old wood" effect in carbon-14 dating.

Anatomical analysis of charcoal is carried out along three axes (transverse, tangential, radial) to identify the family, genus and sometimes the species of wood studied.