The what, how and why of archaeological coprolite analysis

Coprolites are a highly informative but still underutilized proxy for understanding past environments, palaeodiets, and ancient human health. Here we provide a critical review of the history and current state of research in human coprolite analysis encompassing macroscopic, microscopic, and biomolecular approaches. We present new data from a number of key sites which demonstrates how new multiscalar, multiproxy approaches can provide unique archaeological insights. Coprolites should be routinely collected and examined during excavations and integrated with other archaeological and palaeoecological evidence. Future research needs to focus on better understanding coprolite formation as well as pre- and post- depositional taphonomy. This can be achieved through interdisciplinary collaboration between geoarchaeology and organic geochemistry.