Scientific analysis is of fundamental importance for archaeological research when materials and technological features of a historic object have to be described. Chemical and physical analysis permits a correct definition of materials and with this data it is possible to obtain information on the date and place of manufacture. The type or quality of a material used may also give information on the economic situation during the time of its manufacture. Ancient trade routes could be reconstructed when objects of particular types of materials like obsidian, marble, amber, or other objects containing lead were analyzed. The analysis of trace elements or organic compounds in human bone permits the reconstruction of early life and the relationships among early populations.