Maria Roumpou

Maria Roumpou is an archaeologist specialized in archaeological science, focusing on residue analysis of archaeological materials. She holds a PhD in Archaeological Sciences from the University of Bradford (2006). Currently affiliated with the Institute of Electronic Structure & Laser (IESL) at FORTH, she has held post-doctoral roles at the University of Crete and National & Kapodistrian University of Athens. Her research integrates scientific methods like lipid analysis and molecular techniques to study ancient materials, particularly ceramics and organic residues.

• Education: B.A. (1998, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki), M.A. (2000, University of Bradford), PhD (2006, University of Bradford).

Research interests include Aegean archaeology, Bronze Age studies, and the application of analytical chemistry to archaeological questions. Notable projects include the Northern Greek Storage Project (co-directed) and residue analysis of ceramics from Mycenae, Thessaloniki Toumba, and Akrotiri. She has collaborated with institutions like the Fitch Laboratory (British School at Athens) and Harokopio University's Department of Dietetics.

Recent work focuses on interdisciplinary studies of culinary practices through biomolecular analysis and diachronic residue studies in Minoan Crete and Bronze Age Cyprus. Her publications highlight innovations in linking organic chemistry with archaeological interpretation, such as identifying beeswax use in Neolithic Cyprus and oil residue analysis in Egyptian metal vessels.