How archaeologists determine the date of ancient sites and ...

In stratigraphy, archaeologists assume that sites undergo stratification over time, leaving older layers beneath newer ones. Like a layer cake or slice of lasagna, a site&#;s lower layers are assumed to be older than those that lie above them. Archaeologists use that assumption, called the law of superposition, to help determine a relative chronology for the site itself. Then, they use contextual clues and absolute dating techniques to help point to the age of the artifacts found in each layer. (Learn how archaeologists dated the earliest metal body part in Europe.)

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Photograph by Sam Abell, Nat Geo Image Collection

Seriation, in which groups of artifacts from the same site are statistically analyzed and put into chronological order, can also point to a site&#;s age. Objects can be grouped based on style or frequency to help determine a chronological sequence.

Relative dating has its limits. Its techniques are often subjective, and an artifact&#;s location within a site or relative to other objects may not reflect its actual chronological age, as things may have gotten shifted around at some point in time. For a more precise date, archaeologists turn to a growing arsenal of absolute dating techniques.

Absolute dating

Perhaps the most famous absolute dating technique, radiocarbon dating was developed during the s and relies on chemistry to determine the ages of objects. Used on organic matter, the technique measures the amount of radioactive carbon decay to determine an object&#;s age. Its inventor, Willard Libby, eventually won a Nobel Prize for his discovery.

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Thermoluminescence dating measures how many years have elapsed since the heating of a material containing a crystalline mineral. The technique can provide dates for sediments, ceramics, and other materials. Dendochronology, the study of tree rings, can date wooden structures or objects.

To tell how old a bronze statue is, first check the base or back for markings. Some pieces may be stamped with the year of production. Others may display a brand or artisan's name. You can research the maker by consulting trusted online resources to learn when they produced statues like yours. Alternatively, you can seek the opinion of a certified appraiser or experienced art dealer. Explore a wide range of bronze statues on 1stDibs.

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