A research team from the Siberian Federal University together with scientists from Novosibirsk and St. Petersburg have developed an innovative method for studying coals found at ancient human sites.
In combination with radiocarbon analysis, it allows to restore with an accuracy of three to five years the chronology of events that are associated with the burning of the wood under study. This, in turn, helps date historical events more accurately.
"It happens that the wood does not completely burn through and is preserved for centuries. We were interested in whether it is possible to use charred fragments for dating archaeological monuments", - told "Izvestia" one of the authors of the methodology, leading researcher, head of the Siberian dendrochronological laboratory of SFU Vladimir Myglan.
According to him, the key point in the methodology is the correct preparation of samples, in which after grinding the spiles are thoroughly cleaned of dust that clogs the pores of the tree. It is important that the charcoal is dry, otherwise dust particles stick together.
Then specialists scan the samples and carry out their mathematical processing. It allows you to compare different fragments and restore the chronology reflected in the annual rings. In conclusion, the results are compared with the data of radiocarbon analysis.
Vladimir Myglan said that the proposed method was tested on archaeological complexes in Tyva and Altai. At present archaeologists are studying the remains of buildings on the territory of Yakutsk stockade, which was founded in the XVII century. The task of researchers is to determine the time of appearance of various structures of the fortress.
In the future, scientists plan to correlate the results obtained for each monument with the general "library" of available chronologies. This will open the possibility of dating other archaeological sites.
Read more in the exclusive material "Izvestia":
Ashes with history: the study of coals will help to restore ancient history
