Timber Timber as worked wood – Techniques Timber as wood, ie natural – Environmental data – dendochronology

Dendrochronolgy scientific method of dating based on the analysis of patterns of tree rings, also known as growth rings Accurate readings allow archaeologists to calibrate readings with radio carbon dates archaeologists can use the technique to date a piece of wood and when it was felled Difficult to determine age of a structure Wood could have been reused from an older feature Wood may have been cut down but not used for many years Your sample may have been used to replace an older plank, giving the whole structure a false date

Many types of tree reliably lay down one tree ring every year. The wood in these rings once laid down remains unchanged during the life of the tree. This is very useful as a record of the radiocarbon concentration in the past. If we have a tree that is 500 years old we can measure the radiocarbon in the 500 rings and see what radiocarbon concentration corresponds to each calendar year. Using very old trees eg Bristlecone Pines in the western U.S.A.), it is possible to make measurements back to a few thousand years ago.Bristlecone Pines

Why is it necessary for archaeologists to adopt a range of excavation strategies?

Responses to this question at the lower end of the scale will describe the excavation of one or two sites known to them without a consideration of the benefits and limitations, or describe each of the main excavation strategies learned in class giving the advantages and disadvantages of each. trail trenches, open area, grid and quadrant, sondage, test pits, planum, sectioning Cumulative sectioning. Better responses will consider case studies, discussing why different techniques are applicable to different situations, or consider each technique in turn (as above) but link it to case study material. Likely case studies: Time Team Big Roman Dig. Canterbury or London, Sutton Hoo, Boxgrove.

Research team from University of Freiburg has succeeded in precisely dating four water wells built by the first Central European agricultural civilization with the help of dendrochronology The wells were excavated at “Linear Pottery culture” settlements in Leipzig region oldest known timber constructions in the world. The four early Neolithic wells were constructed from oak wood Many other waterlogged organic materials, such as plant remains, wooden artefacts, bark vessels, and richly decorated ceramic vessels, have survived for millennia sealed below groundwater level. With the help of dendrochronology, the scientists were able to determine the exact felling years of the trees and thus also the approximate time at which the wells were constructed. Using laser scanning technology, the scientists collected data on the timbers and tool marks and documented the highly developed woodworking skills of the early Neolithic settlers. The very well-preserved tool marks and timber joints testify to unexpectedly sophisticated timber construction techniques.