Dating WF16: Exploring the Chronology of a Pre-Pottery Neolithic A Settlement in the Southern Levant

Karen Wicks,Darko Maričević,Steven Mithen,Sam Smith,Emma Jenkins,Bill Finlayson

doi:10.1017/ppr.2015.21

Abstract

A pre-requisite for understanding the transition to the Neolithic in the Levant is the establishment of a robust chronology, most notably for the late Epi-Palaeolithic and Pre-Pottery Neolithic A (PPNA) periods. In this contribution we undertake a dating analysis of the Pre-Pottery Neolithic site of WF16, southern Jordan, drawing on a sample of 46 AMS14C dates. We utilise Bayesian methods to quantify an old wood effect to provide an offset that we factor into chronological models for a number of individual structures at WF16 and for the settlement as a whole. In doing so we address the influence of slope variations in the calibration curve and expose the significance of sediment and sample redeposition within sites of this nature. We conclude that for the excavated deposits at WF16 human activity is likely to have started by c. 11.84 ka calbpand lasted for at least c. 1590 years, ceasing by c. 10.24 ka calbp. This is marked by a particularly intensive period of activity lasting for c. 350 years centred on 11.25 ka calbpfollowed by less intensive activity lasting a further c. 880 years. The study reveals the potential of WF16 as a laboratory to explore methodological issues concerning14C dating of early Neolithic sites in arid, erosional environments.

Highlights

The emergence of the Neolithic in south-west Asia encompasses the transition from Late Pleistocene hunter-gatherer to Holocene sedentary farming communities
We conclude that for the excavated deposits at WF16 human activity is likely to have started by c. 11.84 ka cal BP and lasted for at least c. 1590 years, ceasing by c. 10.24 ka cal BP
A principle objective of this study was to explore the correspondence between Blockley and Pinhasi’s (2011) proposal for the start of the Pre-Pottery Neolithic A (PPNA) within a range of 11.78–11.42 ka cal BP, with that derived from WF16

Summary

Introduction

The emergence of the Neolithic in south-west Asia encompasses the transition from Late Pleistocene hunter-gatherer to Holocene sedentary farming communities. Using archaeo-botanical evidence we quantify an old wood effect known to be present (Finlayson & Mithen 2007, 460–9) that we use to offset age ranges obtained from samples which are likely to be old wood Using this offset, we undertake Bayesian analysis of 46 AMS 14C dates to develop chronological models for five individual structures, a midden, an exterior mud-plaster surface, and three evaluation trenches containing multiple structures – all of which are referred to as ‘Objects’ (O, as in O45, O75 and O100). We draw out methodological issues arising from this study that are of general relevance for dating early Neolithic occupation sites in arid, erosional environments and summarise the chronology for WF16 as ascertained from this study

Methods

Findings

Discussion

Conclusion