The Study Of Carbon-14 Chronology In Chinese Archaeology

Based on theresearch status of Chinese archaeology,this paper starts with the differences between the old and new data and their controversies of ¹⁴C chronology in recent years.By analyzing the changes of key error factors and data reliability difference in different periods of¹⁴C chronology,it identifies the time node of two phases,1981 and 1996,and puts forward that the reliability of ¹⁴C data in different periodsshould be distinguished.In reference to different processing modes of dendrochronological calibration,especially sorting out the difference of single sample calibration and series sample fitting,it proposes the view of comparison on the basis of unified calibration approach.After getting a general grasp of the methodology,this paper conducts a comprehensive analysis on the existing ¹⁴C chronology data and knowledge of Erlitou site.Under current data conditions,It considers that series sample fitting method should not be introduced to the absolute age discussion of Erlitou site,but rather the method of single calibration after data filtering should be the research basis point.The absolute age range of the Erlitou culture in this site is between 1870 and 1530 B.C.,by which we cannot draw conclusions in terms of specific duration.The differences between the old and new data of ¹⁴C chronology come from the synthetic effect of periodical division in this field,dendrochronological calibration mode and cognitive factors of archaeology.Performance of different existing archaeology research is different.¹⁴C chronology still has limitations in its principle and application of archaeology,as such,the ability to solve ancient history problems independently is not possessed.Therefore,relatively conservative and flexible attitude should be adopted in archaeology research to avoid misleading conclusions brought by data and results.Based on the above characteristics,single calibration that the data result and chronology recognition is relatively separated is more suitable for the needs of archaeology research.Whileseries samples methodcannot be used as the basis for discussion of ¹⁴C chronology due to the limitations of more theoretical system and the difficulty of direct expansion.At present,the methods to enhance the scientific nature of ¹⁴C chronology in archaeo-logical research include defining the meaning of data,accumulating high-quality data,improving the mechanism of information release and exploring research perspectives of archaeology.