Introduction: Towards Multidisciplinary Trajectories for the Study of Ancient Textiles and Fibres

The investigation of textiles, a central element of ancient cultures, has recently gained momentum in Europe (mainly in the twenty-first century) manifested by a multidisciplinary approach. Advancements in analytical techniques have revitalized the field, enabling more scientific examinations of textiles and their production contexts. Key initiatives that lead to the establishment of international research centres and various EU projects, have fostered interdisciplinary collaborations, expanding the study of textiles within archaeology and beyond. Recent methodological advancements highlight how fabrics and textile tools can provide critical insights into complex archaeological questions regarding resource interaction, craft, technology, societal dynamics, and cultural identity. In this scenario, scientific approaches integrating humanities and natural sciences are essential to interpret the archaeological evidence. This volume, titled “Multidisciplinary Approaches for the Investigation of Textiles and Fibres in the Archaeological Field”, compiles research from various scholars, thus contributing to this rapidly evolving discipline encompassing traditional and novel analytical techniques. The book, serving archaeologists, conservators, scientists, and historians, is structured into three main sections: microscopy and morphometric approaches, multi-technical and archaeometric methodologies, and experimental approaches, providing a comprehensive overview of current research in textile studies.