A New Method for High-Resolution Dating of Radiocarbon Data: The Example of the First Three Centuries B.C

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel high-resolution radiocarbon dating method using repeated simulations and reference tables, significantly improving dating precision in archaeological contexts.

Contribution

It presents a new approach that directly maps uncalibrated 14C measurements to calendar dates, validated through simulations and dendrochronological comparisons.

Findings

Enhanced dating precision demonstrated

Method validated with tree ring data

Potential for methodological optimization

Abstract

Radiocarbon dating poses a challenge in many archaeological contexts due to the limited precision of conventional calibration methods. In this study, we introduce a novel approach to fine-dating that is based on the repeated application of OxCal's R_Simulate function. By constructing extensive reference tables and aggregating measures of central tendency (means and medians), uncalibrated 14C measurements are directly mapped to calendar dates. The method is validated through comprehensive simulations and comparisons with dendrochronologically dated tree rings. Despite challenges in segments of the calibration curve with low gradients, the approach demonstrates that a significant improvement in dating precision is achievable. Limitations and potential avenues for further methodological optimisation are discussed.