Radiocarbon Dating and Chronological Modelling

Guidelines and Best Practice

This publication provides guidelines for good practice in the use of radiocarbon dating and chronological modelling in archaeology. It gives practical advice on the application of these methods within archaeological projects in England. It should be used in conjunction with advice given by radiocarbon laboratories and modelling specialists on specific projects, and may be adjusted in response to future scientific developments.

Please refer to this guidance as:

Bayliss, A, and Marshall, P, 2022 Radiocarbon Dating and Chronological Modelling: Guidelines and Best Practice (Historic England, London).

Contents

  • Introduction

    This guidance is designed to lead the reader through the Bayesian process that should be at the heart of all scientific dating programmes.

  • 1. Radiocarbon Dating

    Fundamental principles; Measuring radiocarbon; Radiocarbon results; Fractionation and δ¹³C values; Calibration; Reservoir effects; Citation of radiocarbon dates.

  • 2. Bayesian Chronological Modelling

    Need for statistical analysis; Bayesian Chronological Modelling (Components, Model calculation, validation and comparison).

  • 3. The Bayesian Process

    Problem definition; Identifying a pool of suitable samples; Statistical simulation and sample selection; Purchasing radiocarbon dates; Preliminary modelling and additional samples; Reporting radiocarbon dates and chronological models.

  • 4. Project Organisation and Planning

    Specifications and briefs; Desk-based assessment; Watching briefs; Evaluation; Excavation; Assessment; Post-excavation analysis; Dissemination and archiving.

  • 5. Case Studies

    Seven case studies of varying complexity illustrate the Bayesian process in practice on different kinds of site, from standing buildings, to prehistoric settlements, to geoarchaeological investigations.

  • Appendix: Where to Get Advice and Information

  • References

  • Glossary

Acknowledgments

We thank Nancy Beavan for the dietary reconstruction reported in the case study of the skeleton in the carpark (section 5.2). We are very grateful to the following colleagues who have answered our queries, provided useful feedback on an earlier draft of this document or supplied illustrations: Alistair Barclay, Cathy Batt, Matt Beamish, Andy Boucher, Martin Bridge, Christopher Bronk Ramsey, Caitlin Buck, Gill Campbell, Matt Canti, Peter Clark, Gordon Cook, Alice Dowsett, Denise Druce, David Dungworth, Ricardo Fernandes, Ben Ford, Michael Grant, Andy Hammon, Zoë Hazell, Frances Healy, Gill Hey, Mike Hodder, Andy Howard, Elizabeth Huckerby, Jacqui Huntley, Robin Jackson, Rod McCullagh, John Meadows, Andrew Millard, Lisa Moffett, Rachel Newman, Zoe Outram, Andrew Parnell, Ruth Pelling, Johannes van der Plicht, Dominic Powlesland, Paula Reimer, Suzi Richer, Bettina Schulz Paulsson, Jane Sidell, Sue Stallibras, Vanessa Straker, David Thulman, Cathy Tyers, Sylvia Warman, Chris Webster, Lucy Whittingham and Jim Williams.

Finally, we would like to thank Andrew David, Brian Kerr and Jen Heathcote for their patience.

Additional Information

  • Series: Guidance
  • Publication Status: Completed
  • Product Code: HEAG312
  • ISSN: 9781802077643

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Also of interest

Scientific Dating