Articles

De 14C-chronologie van de Nederlandse pre- en protohistorie, III: Neolithicum

Authors

  • J.N. Lanting
  • J. van der Plicht

Abstract

This paper deals first with calibration of the radiocarbon time-scale, climate, sea-level rising, palaeogeography, bio-, litho- and chronostratigraphy during the Neolithic in the Netherlands. The differences between chronology based on calibrated radiocarbon ages and dendrochronology are also dealt with. Calibration of radiocarbon dates results in a too high chronology compared with dendrodates, unless selection on samples with negligibie own age (like grain or animal bone) has taken place. This is demonstrated for the Michelsberg Culture. The conclusion is that archaeologists should either work with conventional radiocarbon dates in a chronological framework purely based on uncalibrated results with chronological periods that tend to overlap, or with dendrodates and calibrated radiocarbon ages based on carefully selected shortlived samples. Statistical procedures for processing radiocarbon dates are not recommended, because they omit to take the problems of 'own age' of radiocarbon samples in account. Next, the developments during the Neolithic in the Netherlands and adjacent areas are described. Where possible, arguments for an absolute chronology are given. Finally, the radiocarbon dates for the Neolithic are listed.

Published

2015-05-19

Issue

Section

Articles