Experimental Archaeology

The Hair-Style Archaeologist: Unraveling the Secrets of Ancient Roman Coiffures

Janet Stephens: The Superhero of the Coiffe

Janet Stephens is not your average hairdresser. By day, she wields scissors and combs to create modern hairstyles. But by night, she transforms into a “hair-style archaeologist,” delving into the annals of history to recreate the intricate coiffures of ancient Rome.

Recreating Ancient Hairstyles: A Labor of Love

Stephens’ passion for ancient hairstyles began with a simple question: “How did Roman women achieve those gravity-defying curls, bumps, and buns?” Determined to find the answer, she embarked on a journey of meticulous research and experimentation.

Her YouTube channel, a treasure trove of ancient hair artistry, showcases her recreations of iconic hairstyles, from the elaborate braids of Empress Plotina to the enigmatic coin hair of Cleopatra. Each video is a testament to her dedication and the transformative power of hair.

The Wig Theory Debunked

For centuries, historians have assumed that the elaborate hairstyles depicted in ancient Roman art were achieved with wigs. However, Stephens’ research has challenged this long-held belief. Through countless hours of trial and error, she discovered that these hairstyles were meticulously crafted using braids, needles, and thread.

The Secrets of Roman Hairdressing

Stephens’ groundbreaking research has shed new light on the techniques and tools used by ancient Roman hairdressers. In her scientific publications, she describes the challenges of recreating these hairstyles and provides detailed descriptions of the pins, needles, and other implements that were essential to the process.

One of Stephens’ most significant discoveries was the true meaning of the Latin term “acus” in the context of hairdressing. Traditionally translated as “hairpin,” Stephens argues that it more accurately refers to a “needle and thread.” This realization was crucial to understanding how Roman women achieved their intricate hairstyles.

The Importance of Stitching

Stitching played a vital role in the construction of ancient Roman hairstyles. Stephens’ experiments revealed that braids and other hair elements were sewn together to create the desired shapes and volume. This technique allowed Roman women to defy gravity and achieve the elaborate coiffures that have fascinated historians for centuries.

Recognition from the Academic World

Stephens’ expertise has not gone unnoticed in the academic community. John Humphrey, editor of the Journal of Roman Archaeology, praised her work as “a very serious piece of experimental archaeology” that could only have been written by someone with both hairdressing and scholarly experience.

A Legacy of Hair-Style Archaeology

Janet Stephens’ pioneering work has not only expanded our understanding of ancient Roman hairstyles but has also demonstrated the value of experimental archaeology in historical research. Her dedication to recreating these hairstyles has brought the past to life and inspired a new generation of hair-style enthusiasts.

As Stephens continues her research, we can eagerly anticipate further revelations about the secrets of ancient hairdressing and the remarkable ingenuity of our ancestors.

Recreating Ancient Cuisine: Insights from Millennia-Old Cookware

Ancient Culinary Practices

For centuries, archaeologists have puzzled over the charred food remains and residues found in ceramic cookware recovered from archaeological sites. A recent study published in Scientific Reports sheds new light on how to interpret these finds, providing valuable insights into the culinary practices of ancient civilizations.

To better understand the role of unglazed clay cookware in ancient cuisine, researchers conducted a year-long experiment that imitated early culinary practices as closely as possible. They prepared meals made from whole grains like wheat and maize in unglazed, black clay pots, similar to those found at archaeological sites in central Colombia.

Food Residues and Analysis

The researchers analyzed three types of food residues left behind in the pots:

Charred food: Chemical traces of the last meals cooked in the pots.
Patinas: Thin layers of chemical residues on the surface of the pots, representing a mix of past cooking events.
Lipid residues: Fats and oils that seep into the unglazed clay over time, reflecting the vessel’s early history.

Insights from Different Time Scales

The three types of residues provided insights into different time scales of culinary history:

Charred food: The most recent meals cooked in the pots.
Patinas: More recent meals, but also influenced by past cooking events.
Lipid residues: The earliest meals cooked in the pots, as they accumulate slowly over time.

Chemical Analysis of Lipid Residues

Lipid residues are particularly valuable for reconstructing the diets of ancient communities. By analyzing the isotopic and chemical values of these residues, researchers can identify the types of plants and animals consumed. For example, a previous study of lipid residues in ancient pottery from Siberia revealed that one community ate land animals, while another preferred fish.

Implications for Understanding Ancient Societies

The researchers emphasize that their findings can help us better reconstruct the meals and specific ingredients that people consumed in the past. This information, in turn, can shed light on social, political, and environmental relationships within ancient communities.

Challenges and Limitations

Recreating ancient cuisine without using modern ingredients or techniques presents certain challenges. The researchers had to carefully consider the cultural context of the foods they chose and the chemical reactions that would occur during cooking.

Future Research Directions

The study opens up new avenues for research in experimental archaeology and the analysis of organic remains in archaeological sites. Future studies could explore the use of different types of cookware, cooking methods, and ingredients to gain a more comprehensive understanding of ancient culinary practices.

By combining experimental archaeology with chemical analysis, researchers are unlocking the secrets of ancient cuisine, providing valuable insights into the lives and diets of our ancestors.