The main aim of radiocarbon analysis is to provide a coherent set of radiocarbon data and to enhance the chronological resolution of the analysis of funerary and settlement data. More directly, radiocarbon dating may help with the problem of unfurnished graves, whose dating has to rely on stratigraphic observations.
At the same time, however, the data thus generated will contribute to the wider chronological debate in Aegean archaeology and especially the highly contested issue of 'High versus Low' chronology which has a bearing on the whole of European prehistory.
The analysis of samples from both human bones for radiocarbon dating is undertaken by Albert Nijboer, in collaboration with the Centre for Isotope Research, Groningen. The interpretation of the results, i.e. the comparison of the absolute and relative dating of the burials will be done by Sofia Voutsaki, Albert Nijboer and the scholars responsible for the MH material from each site.
We have now obtained exciting results from the samples taken from Lerna, which have been presented in a poster displayed at the MESOHELLADIKA conference, and at the Conference ‘Trees-Rings, Kings, and Old World Archaeology Environment: Cornell Dendrochronology-Archaeology Conference in Honor of Peter I. Kuniholm’. The results will be published in Hesperia.
We also have the results from the analysis of the Aspis samples. Some of the bones (but fortunately not all) had been treated with a consolidant, and have not produced meaningful results. 4 samples have produced results which provide a very useful confirmation of the Lerna dates. The final report has been submitted to BCH. The results from the samples taken from Asine shed light to a crucial period, the late MH period and the transition to the Late Helladic. The C14 results are now being checked against the relative date of the burials. The final report will be submitted to Opuscula Atheniensia in early 2008. The results from the three sites will also be presented at the One-Day Conference on 19 December 2007 in Athens.
Finally, we also have the results from the Aspis samples. Some of the skeletons (but fortunately not all) had been treated with a consolidant, and have not produced meaningful results. 4 samples have produced results which provide a very useful confirmation of the Lerna dates. The results will be published in the Bulletin de Correspondence Hellenique.
We have chosen to use the AMS method, a form of mass spectrometry, rather than the conventional dating method. The conventional dating method is more accurate, but requires a much larger sample (200-250 grs) than the AMS method for which a sample of 2-5 grs is sufficient. This decision has been taken because of the need to preserve the skeletal material for future research.
For more information on radiocarbon dating in Groningen, click here.
