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New developments in dating and age modeling

Tuesday 1st July: 16:00 - 18:00
2 hour session: 10-20 minutes with discussion

Simon Blockley (University of Oxford)
Irka Hajdas (Institute of Particle Physics, Zurich)
Peter Ditchfield (University of Oxford)

Abstract

This session looks at recent advances in archaeological geochronology, with a particular focus on the integration of geoarchaeological techniques and chronometric approaches. As archaeological and Quaternary environmental sites are often complex in their geology and site formation processes, it is now widely recognised that integrated dating techniques and the incorporation of geological and stratigraphical information are key components in building reliable archaeological chronologies. Furthermore, many important archaeological questions, such as the spread of new ideas and peoples, or the response of humans to abrupt environmental change, require high levels of chronological precision and accuracy. The aim of this session is to highlight the necessity of integrated approaches to dating and age modelling in archaeology, and the advantages that such an approach can bring. We are interested in a broad range of integrated dating, from technical development, the integrated application of multiple methods, or the application of Geological and Geographical techniques to improve or make better use of chronometry in archaeology. We are interested in a broad time range, from the Lower Palaeolithic to the industrial era. Examples could include: the integration of radiocarbon dating and other techniques, such as OSL and tephrochronology, to solve important archaeological problems; the use of Bayesian methods to build and integrate archaeological and environmental chronologies; geological, sedimentological and geochemical analyses to aid in the interpretation of radiocarbon dates; GIS and mapping dated sites; or using refined chronologies to test human responses to regional environmental change. This session will consist of both oral and poster presentations. We will select oral presentations on the basis of the scientific importance and the quality of the dating strategy.

Papers