Program on Ancient Technologies and Archaeological Materials

Ancient Technologies and Archaeological Materials

Mission Statement

The Ancient Technologies and Archaeological Materials program (ATAM) is the archaeological sciences research arm of the Illinois State Archaeological Survey (ISAS). Our mission is to promote and facilitate interdisciplinary research between archaeology, the natural and physical sciences, the social sciences, and the humanities within the Prairie Research Institute and the University of Illinois.

Contact ATAM

 217-607-5283
  atam@illinois.edu


ATAM Research

The Illinois State Archaeological Survey (ISAS) curates a variety of archaeological materials from across the state. Recent special projects include multidisciplinary analysis of prehistoric dog remains, mastadon teeth, canine coprolites, and ancient uncarbonized squash seeds. These materials are studied to better understand paleoecology of the state as well as plant and animal domestication in the late pre-Columbian era. Click here to read more about ATAM research.