Radiocarbon-based approach capable of subannual precision resolves the origins of the site of Por-Bajin.
other · Level V
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- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 32513700.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1073/pnas.1921301117 and PMC identifier 7321958.
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Abstract
Inadequate resolution is the principal limitation of radiocarbon dating. However, recent work has shown that exact-year precision is attainable if use can be made of past increases in atmospheric radiocarbon concentration or so-called Miyake events. Here, this nascent method is applied to an archaeological site of previously unknown age. We locate the distinctive radiocarbon signal of the year 775 common era (CE) in wood from the base of the Uyghur monument of Por-Bajin in Russia. Our analysis shows that the construction of Por-Bajin started in the summer of 777 CE, a foundation date that resolves decades of debate and allows the origin and purpose of the building to be established.