biostudies-literatureSelvaraj TMinisterio de UniversidadesMinisterio de Ciencia e InnovaciónGovernment of Spain Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universitiese29767https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC11064065biostudies-literatureUnknown10(9)A methodological approach based on rare earth elements analysis was developed to observe human activities in the stratigraphic sequence of Alagankulam. The site was one of the main ancient ports in south-eastern India and one of the transoceanic connecting points between East and West during the Classical Period. The sampled sediments where collected from vertical profiles, areas with traces of firing activities and filled deposits. Major, minor and trace element concentrations were measured by the means of spectroscopic and spectrometric techniques. Data from multielemental analysis were then cross-referenced together with archaeological evidence to map the variability within the site and its association with the detected anthropic activities. The matching of the interpretation of the arcHeliyonRare earth elements sediment analysis tracing anthropogenic activities in the stratigraphic sequence of Alagankulam (India).PMC11064065MS21-176PID2021-127731NB-C21BEAGAL18/00110Gallello GRungta KJaganathan BRamacciotti MRaneri SMehra APastor ASelvaraj TfalseRare earth elements sediment analysis tracing anthropogenic activities in the stratigraphic sequence of Alagankulam (India).A methodological approach based on rare earth elements analysis was developed to observe human activities in the stratigraphic sequence of Alagankulam. The site was one of the main ancient ports in south-eastern India and one of the transoceanic connecting points between East and West during the Classical Period. The sampled sediments where collected from vertical profiles, areas with traces of firing activities and filled deposits. Major, minor and trace element concentrations were measured by the means of spectroscopic and spectrometric techniques. Data from multielemental analysis were then cross-referenced together with archaeological evidence to map the variability within the site and its association with the detected anthropic activities. The matching of the interpretation of the arc2024-01-01T00:00:00Z2024 May2026-06-02T07:03:23.902Z2026-04-15T03:15:40.356ZS-EPMC110640653869899110.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29767