Bayesian Refinement of a Stratified Sequence of Radiometric Dates from Punta De Chimino, Guatemala

Abstract

ABSTRACT. Bayesian analysis of 6 radiocarbon and 2 luminescence determinations from Punta de Chimino's acropolis provides subcentury Chronometrie accuracy for a Protoclassic hiatus and a more decisive, incipient Early Classic abandon ment. For the latter event, sensitivity tests and a redundant modal value pattern reduce the period of historical interest from a few centuries to several decades. The findings aid in selecting between 2 historical scenarios and demonstrate that improved chronological accuracy is attainable for sites and contexts lacking calendrical dates.

High-precision radiocarbon dating of political collapse and dynastic origins at the Maya site of Ceibal, Guatemala

“…Located in the Pasión region, Aguateca was studied from 1990 through 2005 by T.I., D.T., and K.A., providing 11 radiocarbon dates. Bachand excavated Punta de Chimino as part of the Aguateca Project and obtained 11 radiocarbon assays (19)(20)(21). We began to work at Ceibal as the Ceibal-Petexbatun Archaeological Project (CPAP) in 2005.…”

The aid of Bayesian radiocarbon modeling in assessing the chronology of Middle Bronze Age Sicily at the site level. A case study

“…It is worth stressing that sometimes summarizing the probability distribution by a single value is useful (Telford et al, 2004;Zeidler et al, 1998) and that the mode proved to perform better than the mean and median (Michczynski, 2007). It is not by chance if it is used to complement the report of the 95% of the ppd and to evaluate radiocarbon chronologies (e.g., Anderson et al, 2001;Bachand, 2008;Buck et al, 2003;Christen, 1994;Levy et al, 2004;Needham et al, 1988;Petrie and Torrence, 2008;Zeidler et al, 1998). If one would attach some point estimates to phase's parameters, the most likely dates for the start and end would be 1490 and 1345 BC respectively, while the most likely value for the duration would be 120 years.…”

Building a high‐resolution chronology at the Maya archaeological site of El Palmar, Mexico

“…1996, 2). Bayesian analysis is especially powerful for evaluating archaeologically stratified sequences of radiometric dates, primarily radiocarbon dates (Bachand 2008, 20). Among different programs available for the application of the Bayesian approach to chronology‐building, the OxCal 4.3 program with the IntCal 13 calibration curve is of particular relevance (Bronk Ramsey 2019).…”

“…It combines AMS 14 C dating with stratigraphic information and the ceramic sequence, producing refined probability distributions of calibrated dates. Using Bayesian modelling, Maya archaeologists have built a robust site chronology that has provided clues about the relationships between social processes and dynastic histories (Bachand 2008; Culleton et al . 2012; Munson 2012; Kennett et al .…”