Radiocarbon Dating and Chronological Modelling: Guidelines and Best Practice

Part of the Historic England series of Advice and Guidance on using scientific techniques for understanding the Historic Environment, this document 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. It should be used in conjunction with advice given by radiocarbon laboratories and modelling specialists on specific projects.

It contains an introduction to the fundamental principles of radiocarbon dating, methods of measurement, and the results produced by laboratories. It then explains radiocarbon calibration, reservoir effects, and provides guidance on the citation of radiocarbon dates.

The need for Bayesian Chronological Modelling in the interpretation of radiocarbon dates is then explained, with the components of models identified and methods of model calculation, validation and comparison outlined.

A step-by-step guide is then provided to the Bayesian process for employing radiocarbon dating and chronological modelling in archaeology and guidance is then provided in the reporting and citation of radiocarbon dates and Bayesian chronological models.

Finally, a range of 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.