Siberian Federal University

Modern archaeological research is carried out using a wide range of natural science methods. When studying fires, physicochemical methods of analysis have proven themselves well, which allow us to reach the level of reconstruction of the fuel types used. This paper presents the results of approbation a new comprehensive methodology for studying Holocene fires from the Surungursite (southern Kyrgyzstan, Ferghana Valley) using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and X‑ray fluorescence analysis (XFA). It is established that by means of GC/MS biomarkers of unburned organic fuel residues (alkanes, alkanols) are preserved in the ash layers. Elemental analysis by the XFA method allows determining the distribution of elements having ash origin, which is also used to assess the type of fuel. The use of a new research algorithm allowed us to correct the previously obtained results and establish that during the Surungursite occupation, wood and grass were mainly used as fuel