New integrated molecular approaches for understanding lake settlements in NW Europe

Lake settlements, particularly crannogs, pose several contradictions – visible yet inaccessible, widespread yet geographically restricted, persistent yet vulnerable. To further our understanding, we have developed the integrated use of palaeolimnological (scanning XRF, pollen, spores, diatoms, chironomids, Cladocera, microcharcoal, biogenic silica, SEM-EDS, stable-isotopes) and biomolecular analyses (faecal stanols, bile acids, sedaDNA) of proximal and through-crannog cores in SW Scotland and Ireland. Both can be an effective methods for revealing occupation-chronologies and identifying on-crannog activities/practices. Strong results from sedaDNA and lipid biomarkers analysis demonstrate likely on-site animal slaughter, food storage and possibly feasting, suggesting multiperiod elite site-associations, storage and protection, of valuable resources