On Dating Archaeological Sites Evidencing Ferrous Metallurgy in the Southeastern Altai, based on Radiocarbon and Dendrochronological Analyses of Charcoal

This study examines the use of charcoal for dating iron-smelting furnaces in the southeastern Altai. Problems with using radiocarbon analysis in this case are connected with the accuracy of assessing the calendar age. Another important reason why the age of furnaces is overestimated is the “old wood” effect. This effect cannot be avoided by making radiocarbon dating of thin tree trunks (branches) from slag or by using the youngest radiocarbon dates of samples from a single archaeological context. In the case of dendrochronological analysis, considering the age trend in individual series is also not a reliable criterion for determining closeness to the bark due to the long lifespan of trees in the southeastern Altai. Currently, the only way to avoid the “old wood” effect is to date samples with preserved bark, which are quite rare. Results of dendrochronological analysis demonstrate that conclusions drawn from the earliest dates for the same furnace are unreliable. Long tree-ring chronologies based on archaeological charcoal are more prospective for dating ferrous metallurgy sites in the region. The use of dendrochronological analysis minimizes the difficulties with interpreting radiocarbon dates.