Scientific dating of Pleistocene sites: guidelines for best practice

These guidelines provide advice on best practice for the effective use of scientific dating on Pleistocene sites. They are applicable to all archaeological projects, but are aimed primarily at those undertaken as part of the planning process. Pleistocene sites typically produce limited material that is suitable for dating. Some of the methods that can be employed are familiar to those working in later periods (eg Radiocarbon Dating), although special considerations for their effective use may apply. Other methods (eg the ’Vole Clock‘) are only used in the Pleistocene. The selection of appropriate techniques, given the available types of datable material, its taphonomic relationship to the archaeological objectives of the project, and the expected time-range of the site, is key. Different strands of evidence can be explicitly combined using Bayesian statistical modelling, and the resultant chronologies can be validated, not only by comparison to relative dating from stratigraphy, but also by employing multiple scientific dating techniques. Above all, seek expert advice. All laboratories will be happy to advise on applying their technique to Pleistocene deposits, and will welcome the opportunity to discuss sample selection and potential methods of cross-checking their results with you. It is by working together with a range of specialists that you will provide the best dating possible for your site.