@article{fdi:010096688,
  title = {{A}pplication of {R}aman thermometry to charcoals from archaeological sites: assessing the effect of wood chemistry and post-depositional effects on apparent carbonization temperature},
  author = {{D}erbilova, {D}.{S}. and {D}elarue, {F}. and {T}hiesson, {J}. and {A}ubertin, {M}.{L}. and {M}alou, {O}.{P}. and {A}nquetil, {C}. and {O}slisly, {R}ichard and {B}raun, {J}ean-{J}acques and {S}aulieu, {G}eoffroy de},
  editor = {},
  language = {{ENG}},
  abstract = {{C}harcoal is a key archaeological artefact, providing evidence of human presence, enabling site dating and delivering information about ancient practices notably through {R}aman thermometry. {T}his study explores how it can be used to investigate past anthropogenic practices, considering carbonization temperature, wood chemistry, and post-depositional processes.

{T}wo complementary approaches were applied. {F}irstly, the experimental approach quantified the impact of initial wood chemistry on {R}aman parameters. 41 wood species were chemically characterized by {FTIR} and carbonized at 400, 600, and 800 °{C}. {R}aman spectra of charcoal showed that the {D}/{G} band height ratio ({HD}/{HG}) is influenced by wood chemistry, although this effect decreases at higher temperatures. {I}n contrast, the area ratio ({AD}/{AG}) was less sensitive. {P}arameters associated with aliphatic compounds (alpha 1200-1265) and hydrocarbons trapped within aromatic structures (alpha 1415-1445), also varied with wood chemistry.

{S}econdly, archaeological charcoals from {M}atadi and {N}douni ({G}abon) were analysed to see if {R}aman spectra could reveal past uses. {R}esults showed that post-depositional alterations affect {HD}/{HG} and {AD}/{AG} ratios, but, despite this, archaeological information was retrieved. {A}t {M}atadi, radiocarbon dating distinguishes two fire episodes, while {R}aman analysis indicates higher fire intensity during the {E}arly {I}ron {A}ge, consistent with magnetic susceptibility measurements. {A}t {N}douni, pottery-embedded charcoals displayed stronger aliphatic and hydrocarbon signals than those from soils, likely due to contact with fats from culinary use.

{R}aman spectroscopy can be a complementary tool for enriching archaeological interpretations such as fire intensities or potential uses, despite the combination of multiple factors.},
  keywords = {{GABON} ; {MATADI} ; {NDOUNI}},
  booktitle = {},
  journal = {{O}rganic {G}eochemistry},
  volume = {215},
  numero = {},
  pages = {105157  [18 ]},
  ISSN = {0146-6380},
  year = {2026},
  DOI = {10.1016/j.orggeochem.2026.105157},
  URL = {https://www.documentation.ird.fr/hor/fdi:010096688},
}