This article presents a survey of physical and chemical techniques applied to archaeological problems. Four major questions are addressed by such techniques: (1) the sources of raw materials for artifact manufacture; (2) the processes of manufacture; (3) the age of artifacts; and (4) the authentication of artifacts. Source identification techniques discussed included carbon and oxygen isotope analysis of marble and limestone, trace element analysis of obsidian, and mineralogical analysis of temper in pottery. Speculative reconstructions of the development of metallurgical techniques are discussed under methods of manufacture. Dating techniques discussed include radiocarbon dating (most useful for archaeological purposes), amino acid racemization dating, uranium decay series dating, thermoluminescence dating, and fission track dating. Authentication methods include thermoluminescence and materials characterization in conjunction with historical evidence concerning materials used during particular periods.