Environmental Archaeology Through Tree Rings: Dendrochronology as a Tool for Reconstructing Ancient Human–Environment Interactions
Lucian Dincă, Cristinel Constandache, Gabriel Murariu, Maria-Mihaela Antofie, Tiberiu Draghici, Iulian Alexandru Bratu
Abstract
Dendrochronology, the study of tree-ring growth patterns, is a powerful tool for reconstructing past human–environment interactions. This review examines its role within archaeology, focusing on how tree-ring studies contribute to dating wooden artifacts, reconstructing past climates, and understanding timber use in historical buildings and cultural heritage. To explore these applications, we conducted a bibliometric analysis of studies indexed in Web of Science. Our results reveal a marked increase in dendrochronological research over the past 15 years, alongside a broadening of its impact across related fields such as anthropology and environmental sciences. We classify the literature into major thematic areas, including methodological developments, historical and environmental disruptions, art and architecture, mining history, and the ancient timber trade. By highlighting both the advantages and limitations of dendrochronology—such as issues of reference coverage, the need for non-destructive sampling, and the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration—we show how this approach extends beyond archaeology to illuminate wider cultural and environmental contexts. Ultimately, our findings demonstrate the significance of dendrochronology not only for understanding ancient civilizations and cultural heritage, but also for tracing the complex interactions between humans and natural resources across time.