Tree-ring Dating and Archaeology

The analysis of tree-ring patterns, or dendrochronology, is a very exact science and an important dating technique. The basis of the method is misleadingly simple: that overlap of successive older ring patterns can generate a master chronology and samples of unknown age can then be checked against this. This book, published originally in 1982, traces the development of a specific project from its inception to the successful completion of some of the longest chronologies in Europe. In doing so it looks at some of the problems associated with the subject and at the levels of precision possible. After outlining the techniques associated with the measurement and processing of tree-ring patterns, the author traces an attempt to construct such an independent chronology in a new area. The book breaks naturally into sections conditioned by the availability of timbers and these can be listed as modern, late medieval, medieval, early medieval and prehistoric. As far as possible the results are presented in the order in which things happened, thus preserving the sense of a developing subject.

Preface Introduction 1. Dendrochronology: An Outline History 2. Oak Growth and Ring Measurement 3. The Practicalities of Dendrochronology 4. Modern Oaks: The Anchor in Time 5. Extension of the Belfast Modern Chronology 6. Confirmation of the Belfast Chronology 7. Extension to the Medieval Period 8. Medieval Dating Examples 9. Early Medieval Chronology 10. Prehistoric Dendrochronology 11. Gaps in Tree-ring Chronologies 12. Applications 13. Future Developments. Appendices

Baillie, M.G.L.