Time Travel with Radiocarbon Dating

Radiocarbon dating is a critical tool in archaeology and Quaternary Earth science, providing absolute age estimates. Established in 2004, the Czech Radiocarbon Laboratory (CRL) has advanced from radiometric methods requiring large sample sizes to using Accelerator Mass Spectrometry, which allows for the dating of microsamples. Since 2018, CRL has undergone significant upgrades, including the acquisition of the MILEA AMS system, enhancing its capacity and precision. CRL’s research spans a broad chronological range, providing insights into various periods from early human dispersal in Central Europe, through Neolithic subsistence, Early Iron Age to the Middle Ages. Additionally, CRL addresses modern challenges such as dating ivory to combat wildlife crime.