Archaeomagnetism is a scientific method used to study the Earth's past magnetic field by analyzing the magnetic properties of archaeological materials, such as pottery and hearths. When these materials are heated, they can record the direction and intensity of the Earth's magnetic field at that time. By examining these records, researchers can determine the age of the artifacts and gain insights into historical events.
This technique relies on the principle that the Earth's magnetic field has changed over time due to various geological processes. By comparing the magnetic signatures found in archaeological samples with a reference database of known magnetic field changes, scientists can reconstruct the history of human activity and environmental conditions in a specific area.