Bern, Switzerland – Researchers at the University of Bern have recently made a groundbreaking discovery that could revolutionize the way prehistoric dates are determined in Southeast Europe. By combining dendrochronology and radiocarbon dating, the team successfully dated a prehistoric farming settlement in northern Greece to over 7,000 years ago. This new method, which utilizes a significant radiocarbon spike from 5259 BC, provides a precise chronological reference point for various archaeological sites in the region.
Dating archaeological finds is crucial in understanding the past, and researchers have long relied on dendrochronology and radiocarbon dating to determine the age of artifacts. In regions without consistent tree-ring chronologies, like the Mediterranean, dating has been more challenging. However, the recent discovery of cosmic event spikes, known as Miyake events, has opened up new possibilities for accurate dating in areas without established chronologies.
One of the key findings of this research is the use of high-energy particles from space to date timber from the archaeological site of Dispilio in northern Greece. By accurately dating building activities between 5328 and 5140 BC through the Miyake event of 5259 BC, researchers have established a precise timeline for the site. This method marks a significant shift in the field of prehistoric archaeology, allowing for absolute dating independent of regional tree-ring chronologies.
The discovery of Miyake events by Japanese physicist Fusa Miyake in 2012 has transformed the way researchers approach dating prehistoric sites. These cosmic ray spikes can be accurately dated and serve as important anchor points for regions lacking consistent tree-ring chronologies. By identifying and utilizing these events, researchers can establish high-precision chronologies for archaeological sites, as demonstrated in the dating of Dispilio in Greece.
The implications of this research extend beyond the region, as the methodology developed by the University of Bern team can be applied to other sites in Southeast Europe. By linking chronologies and establishing a regional dendrochronology, researchers hope to further our understanding of the Neolithic period in Europe. The Balkans, known for its ancient lakeside settlements dating back to around 6000 BC, played a significant role in the agricultural expansion of the continent.
Overall, the research conducted by the University of Bern team represents a major advancement in the field of archaeology, offering a new method for precise dating of prehistoric sites in regions without consistent tree-ring chronologies. The use of cosmic event spikes like the Miyake event of 5259 BC provides researchers with a reliable anchor point for dating archaeological materials, enhancing our understanding of past civilizations.