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Archaeology

Uncovering the Secrets of Ancient Birch Tar: New Insights into Neolithic Communities

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Archaeologists and geneticists have made a groundbreaking discovery in the study of ancient birch tar, a synthetic material made from heating birch bark over a fire. The research, published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, reveals that Neolithic farmers used the tar for a variety of purposes, including assembling tools, repairing ceramics, and possibly for medicinal purposes. Analysis of 30 samples of birch tar from nine Neolithic settlements in Europe has shed new light on the daily lives of these ancient communities.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study confirms that birch bark tar was a common prehistoric adhesive, but also highlights its widespread use in Neolithic Europe.
  • Analysis of 30 birch tar samples revealed DNA from human teeth, saliva, and oral bacteria, indicating that people were chewing the tar.
  • The tar also contained plant DNA, including barley, beech, wheat, pea, and hazel, suggesting that it was used in food preparation or storage.
  • Residue found on broken pottery suggests that the tar was used to glue pieces together, while tar residue on flint blades indicates its use as an adhesive to attach wooden handles.
  • The study underscores the importance of integrating organic residue and ancient DNA analysis of archaeological artifacts to understand past cultural practices.

Statistics:

  • 30 birch tar samples were analyzed from nine Neolithic settlements in Europe.
  • 12 chewed birch tar samples contained human DNA and oral bacterial DNA.
  • 8 samples contained DNA from recent meals, including barley, beech, wheat, pea, and hazel.
  • 5 samples of ceramic tar revealed traces of plant DNA, suggesting storage or cooking use.
  • 4 samples of flint blades contained tar residue on the point where they would have joined a wooden handle.

Sources:

  • Anna E. White et al, Ancient DNA and biomarkers from artefacts: insights into technology and cultural practices in Neolithic Europe, Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences (2025). DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2025.0092
  • Sticky secrets: What ancient chewing gum is telling us about Neolithic communities (2025, October 15) retrieved 15 October 2025 from https://phys.org/news/2025-10-sticky-secrets-ancient-gum-neolithic.html
  • Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences (2025).

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