Archaeomagnetism

/ˌɑːrkioʊˈmæɡnɪtɪzəm/ noun

The study of ancient magnetic properties of rocks and pottery to determine the age and dating of archaeological sites.

From Greek 'archaeo-' (ancient) + 'magnetism'. This scientific term emerged in the mid-20th century when researchers discovered that ancient pottery and rocks retain a magnetic signature from Earth's past magnetic field.

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