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Precision dating pinpoints time between use of ancient fireplaces

Knowing the occupation timescales for ancient sites offers insights into population dynamics. A dating approach now establishes the time frame during which prehistoric hearths were in use at a high level of precision.
  1. Ségolène Vandevelde

    1. Ségolène Vandevelde is at the Centre for the Study of Mineral Resources, at the Laboratory of History and of Eastern Subarctic Archaeology, University of Quebec at Chicoutimi, Saguenay, Quebec G7H 2B1, Canada.

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How did humans live in ancient sites such as cave dwellings and organize themselves in their territory? One key piece of evidence needed to understand early populations is accurate information about the timing of occupations at places of interest. Writing in Nature, Herrejón-Lagunilla et al.1 present a technological advance in the ability to date the use of ancient hearths, and use this approach to assess occupation at the entrance of a rock-shelter site associated with Neanderthals.

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Nature 630, 566-568 (2024)

doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-024-01501-x

References

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Competing Interests

The author declares no competing interests.

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