scholarly journals Depending on 14C Data: Chronological Frameworks in the Neolithic and Chalcolithic of Southeastern Europe

Radiocarbon ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 51 (2) ◽  
pp. 751-770 ◽  
Author(s):  
Agathe Reingruber ◽  
Laurens Thissen
Keyword(s):  
Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Calibration Curve ◽  
Accelerator Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Southeastern Europe ◽  
Early Neolithic ◽  
Cultural Complex ◽  
Chalcolithic Period ◽  
Absolute Dating ◽  
Ams Dating ◽  
Very High

With the introduction of the radiocarbon method in 1949 and the calibration curve constantly improving since 1965, but especially due to the development of the more accurate accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) dating some 30 yr ago, the application of the 14C method in prehistory revolutionized traditional chronological frameworks. Theories and models are adjusted to new 14C sequences, and such sequences even lead to the creation of new theories and models. In our contribution, we refer to 2 major issues that are still heavily debated, although their first absolute dating occurred some decades ago: 1) the transition from the Mesolithic to the Early Neolithic in the eastern and western Aegean. Very high 14C data for the beginning of the Neolithic in Greece around 7000 BC fueled debates around the Preceramic period in Thessaly (Argissa-Magoula, Sesklo) and the Early Neolithic in Macedonia (Nea Nikomedeia). A reinterpretation of these data shows that the Neolithic in Greece did not start prior to 6400/6300 BC; 2) the beginning and the end of the Chalcolithic period in SE Europe. Shifting from relative chronologies dating the Chalcolithic to the 3rd millennium BC to an absolute chronology assigning the Kodžadermen-Gumelniţa-Karanovo VI cultural complex to the 5th millennium BC, the exact beginning and the end of the period are still under research. New data from Varna (Bulgaria) and Pietrele (Romania) suggest that start and end of the SE European Chalcolithic have to be dated deeper into the 5th millennium BC.

scholarly journals Problems in the Extension of the Radiocarbon Calibration Curve (10–13 kyr BP)

Radiocarbon ◽  
1995 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 75-79 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irena Hajdas ◽  
Susan D. Ivy-Ochs ◽  
Georges Bonani
Keyword(s):  
Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Time Scales ◽  
Calibration Curve ◽  
Accelerator Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Radiocarbon Dating ◽  
Late Glacial ◽  
Varved Lake Sediments ◽  
Ams Dating ◽  
Varve Counting ◽  
Radiocarbon Calibration

Radiocarbon dating of varved lake sediments shows that, during the Late Glacial (10–12 kyr bp), the offset between the 14C and the absolute time scales was ca. 1 kyr. Varve counting and accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) dating were used to build absolute and 14C time scales of sediments from two lakes—Soppensee, Switzerland and Holzmaar, Germany. The resulting chronologies extend back to ca. 12.9 kyr cal bp (12.1 kyr bp) in the case of Soppensee and to ca. 13.8 kyr cal BP (12.6 kyr bp) in the Holzmaar record. They compare well with each other but differ significantly from the 14C-U/Th chronology of corals (Bard et al. 1993; Edwards et al. 1993).

scholarly journals Reliability of Bone Gelatin AMS Dating: Rattus Exulans and Marine Shell Radiocarbon Dates from Pauatahanui Midden Sites in Wellington, New Zealand

Radiocarbon ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 119-126 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nancy Beavan Athfield ◽  
Bruce McFadgen ◽  
Rodger Sparks
Keyword(s):  
Mass Spectrometry ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Beta Decay ◽  
Confidence Level ◽  
Accelerator Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Radiocarbon Dates ◽  
Austrovenus Stutchburyi ◽  
Ams Dating ◽  
Marine Shell

A suite of 6 bone gelatin accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) radiocarbon dates for Rattus exulans Peale and associated beta decay 14C dates for Austrovenus stutchburyi shell are presented for 4 middens at Pauatahanui, Wellington, New Zealand. Mean calibrated age ranges of Rattus exulans (520–435 BP and 350–330 BP at 95% confidence level) and shell (465–375 BP at 95% confidence level) from the 4 midden sites overlap. The agreement between Rattus exulans bone gelatin dates and associated shell provides an inter-sample comparison of 14C dating using both gas counting (beta decay) and AMS dating techniques. We examine the adequacy of the standard gelatinization treatment for bone samples, which has been employed consistently at the laboratory since 1995.

scholarly journals Radiocarbon in 9th to 5th Century BC Tree-Ring Samples from the Ouban 1 Archaeological Site, Hiroshima, Japan

Radiocarbon ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 49 (2) ◽  
pp. 473-479 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hiromasa Ozaki ◽  
Mineo Imamura ◽  
Hiroyuki Matsuzaki ◽  
Takumi Mitsutani
Keyword(s):  
Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Tree Ring ◽  
Calibration Curve ◽  
Accelerator Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Wood Sample ◽  
Archaeological Site ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Statistical Errors ◽  
Term Fluctuation

In order to investigate the regional atmospheric radiocarbon offset, accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) 14C measurements were made on 5-yr increments of a Japanese wood sample dendrochronologically dated to 820–436 BC. The 14C data from the Japanese tree-ring samples were compared with the IntCal04 calibration curve (Reimer et al. 2004). In most parts, the differences between IntCal04 and 14C dates in the Japanese tree-ring samples were within experimental statistical errors. At around 680 BC, however, significant differences of up to 100 14C yr were observed. These differences may indicate either regional offsets in Japan or the short-term fluctuation of a subdecadal timescale in atmospheric 14C variations.

scholarly journals Examination of Background Contamination Levels for Gas Counting and AMS Target Preparation in Trondheim

Radiocarbon ◽  
1992 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 312-317 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steinar Gulliksen ◽  
Mette S. Thomsen
Keyword(s):  
Crystal Structure ◽  
Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Accelerator Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Target Preparation ◽  
Very Old ◽  
Ams Dating ◽  
Contamination Levels ◽  
Lower Background

The Radiological Dating Laboratory in Trondheim relatively often dates samples with ages >30 ka BP. Contaminated background materials are known to affect the accuracy of very old dates. We have found, by measurements of different materials, that such contamination is small when using our conventional gas proportional counting (GPC) system. We have also studied contamination levels of our target preparation for 14C accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) dating in Uppsala. A significant lower background is obtained for Icelandic double spar than for marbles, probably due to a crystal structure of the double spar that is more insensitive to contaminating processes. The background for combusted samples is at the same level as for samples of double spar, indicating that additional 14C contamination due to combustion is negligible. Dates obtained on interstadial samples (T >30 ka bp) by both GPC and AMS agree well.

scholarly journals Neolithic Massacres: Local Skirmishes or General Warfare in Europe?

Radiocarbon ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 46 (1) ◽  
pp. 377-385 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eva Maria Wild ◽  
Peter Stadler ◽  
Annemarie Häußer ◽  
Walter Kutschera ◽  
Peter Steier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Accelerator Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Human Remains ◽  
Alternative Interpretation ◽  
Human Bone ◽  
Single Event ◽  
Early Neolithic ◽  
Human Bones ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
Burial Rite

The Neolithic site of Schletz in Lower Austria comprises a fortified settlement from the end of the Linearbandkeramik (LBK) culture. Large numbers of human bones were found at the base of the fortification ditches, and many of the excavated bones and skulls showed evidence of trauma which most likely originates from violence. This remarkable deposit of human remains has been considered evidence for an abrupt end to the Early Neolithic settlement at Schletz. In order to investigate this interpretation, radiocarbon accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) measurements of human bone samples from this site were performed at VERA. The χ2 test of the results from specimens with clearly identified lesions suggests that these may be contemporaneous. Further, it may be concluded that all individuals with evidence of trauma from Schletz were probably the victims of a single event: a massacre at the end of the LBK.Similar evidence is found at Early Neolithic sites at Talheim and Herxheim in the western part of Germany. Analysis of the 14C ages of bones from both sites suggests that the Talheim event may have been coeval with the massacre of Schletz, whereas an event at Herxheim might have happened some time earlier. For Herxheim, the massacre theory is still under discussion, and a change in the burial rite is also considered as an alternative interpretation.

scholarly journals Radiocarbon Calibration for Japanese Wood Samples

Radiocarbon ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
pp. 81-89 ◽  
Author(s):  
Minoru Sakamoto ◽  
Mineo Imamura ◽  
Johannes Van der Plicht ◽  
Takumi Mitsutani ◽  
Makoto Sahara
Keyword(s):  
Mass Spectrometry ◽  
North America ◽  
Tree Ring ◽  
Calibration Curve ◽  
Accelerator Mass Spectrometry ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Radiocarbon Calibration

The radiocarbon content of Japanese cedars was measured by accelerator mass spectrometry for decadal tree-ring samples from the period of 240 BC to AD 900. Conventional gas counting was also used for part of the samples. The data were compared with the INTCAL98 calibration curve (Stuiver et al. 1998). The results indicate that the difference in atmospheric 14C between Japan and North America or Europe is negligible at this period, less than 18 14C yr using an average of 50 yr. However, in the period of about AD 100 to about AD 200, we cannot exclude the possibility of a deviation of the order of 30 to 40 14C yr to the older ages.

scholarly journals Marine Turtle Bones from an Archaeological Site in Polynesia Yield Reliable Age Determinations

Radiocarbon ◽  
1990 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 143-147 ◽  
Author(s):  
T S Dye
Keyword(s):  
Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Sample Size ◽  
Accelerator Mass Spectrometry ◽  
South Pacific ◽  
Archaeological Site ◽  
Marine Turtle ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Marine Turtles ◽  
Ams Dating ◽  
Age Determinations

Accelerator mass spectrometry dating of three 50g samples of marine turtle bone from the basal cultural stratum of the Tongoleleka archaeological site, Lifuka Island, Kingdom of Tonga, South Pacific yields results that agree with conventional 14C dates on marine shell. A method for calibrating these dates that takes into account the long distance migrations of marine turtles in the South Pacific is proposed. A sample size greater than 50g is recommended for routine AMS dating of marine turtle bone.

scholarly journals New 14C Dates of Neolithic and Early Metal Period Ceramics in Lithuania

Radiocarbon ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 53 (4) ◽  
pp. 629-643 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gytis Piličiauskas ◽  
Mika Lavento ◽  
Markku Oinonen ◽  
Gytis Grižas
Keyword(s):  
Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Accelerator Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Reservoir Effect ◽  
Human Bones ◽  
Three Samples ◽  
Absolute Dating ◽  
Freshwater Reservoir ◽  
Prehistoric Ceramics ◽  
Ams Dates

Twenty-three samples of charred food remains, charcoal, burned animals, and human bones from 14 Lithuanian prehistoric sites were dated by radiocarbon as part of a dating project oriented towards renewing the prehistoric ceramics chronology. The new dates modified the dating of ceramic styles by hundreds to a thousand years. Three Textile Ware sherds were dated to 4230–2920 cal BC—the oldest known dates of Textile Ware pottery in the East Baltic. The organic-tempered pointed-bottomed Narva and Combed-like Wares were dated to 3970–3370 cal BC, while Bay Coast Ware (Haffküstenkultur, Rzucewo), including vessels decorated with cord impressions, were dated to 3940–3540 cal BC, i.e. to a period well preceding the Corded Ware/Battle Axe horizon in Europe. Three dates of Globular Amphorae Ware placed the phenomenon directly beyond the Bay Coast chronology, i.e. in 3450–2920 cal BC. Chamotte-tempered Corded Ware from SE Lithuania was dated to 2840–2570 cal BC. The first absolute dating of coarse ware of the Žalioji type pointed to a period of 760–515 cal BC instead of the previously assumed 2nd millennium cal BC. Cremated human bones from urns found at Paveisininkai, Kernavė, and Naudvaris cemeteries were dated to 790–380 cal BC. Accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) dates obtained from charred food remains should be treated with a certain caution due to a possible freshwater reservoir effect that has not yet been examined in Lithuania.

scholarly journals Radiocarbon Dates from the Jewish Catacombs of Rome

Radiocarbon ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
pp. 541-547 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leonard V Rutgers ◽  
Arie F M De Jong ◽  
Klaas van der Borg
Keyword(s):  
Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Accelerator Mass Spectrometry ◽  
First Century ◽  
Current Understanding ◽  
Ancient Rome ◽  
Radiocarbon Dates ◽  
Early Christian ◽  
Christian Communities ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Ams Dating

This paper reports on the first chronological assessment of the Jewish Catacombs of the ancient Rome performed by accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) dating of small-size charcoal fragments scattered in the mortar used for sealing off the graves in the Villa Torlonia Catacomb complex. The significance of the obtained 14C readings has been carefully evaluated by taking into consideration the known technologies of quicklime production during Roman and recent times. The new data are of great concern for providing evidence that the Jewish catacombs were used for burial since the first century AD, thus some two centuries prior to the period traditionally believed to be the starting point of burial in the Jewish catacombs of ancient Rome. Such a significant aging of the Jewish catacombs could result in a deep re-examination of the current understanding of the beginning and the evolution of the custom of catacomb burial in both Jewish and early Christian communities in Rome.

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