Radiocarbon dates provide a revised chronology of the Lower Don Eurasian steppe archaeological cultures

Abstract Bayesian modeling applied to accelerator mass spectrometry radiocarbon (AMS 14 C) dates on samples associated with burials and seasonal campsites of various cultures suggests a revised chronology for the Sal steppes and northern fringes of the Kuma-Manych Depression in the Lower Don region in the south of the Russian Plain. The new chronological framework makes it possible to eliminate existing time gaps and refine or extend chronological periods. It also shows short overlapping periods with co-existence of regional groups. The time range covers several millennia, from the fifth millennium BC to the middle of the second millennium AD. The new radiocarbon chronology reveals significant regional differences. These results are very important because the Lower Don region stands out from other regions due to its geographical location, and because its populations had a large impact on the cultural development in eastern Europe and beyond throughout millennia.