A new method for the absolute dating of cremated human bones: hut 2 at Monte de São Domingos (Malpica do Tejo, Portugal)

Abstract

Recent advances in radiocarbon dating have come to facilitate the successful processing of cremated bone samples, a material previously deemed unsuitable for this purpose. This opens up the possibility of obtaining scientific dating evidence from find contexts which have produced little other organic material and of revisiting the chronological issues they raise. In presenting a radiocarbon determination obtained from a Late Bronze Age cremation burial at Monte de São Domingos, here we take the opportunity to illustrate the potential of this relatively new technique, but also to discuss possible pitfalls and problems with its application.