Peru archaeological radiocarbon database, 13,000–7000 14C B.P.

Abstract

We synthesize the available radiocarbon data from Peruvian archaeological sites for the Terminal Pleistocene through Middle Holocene. Compilation and calibration of this dataset provide a new opportunity to examine trends in archaeological site distributions and occupation intensity. We compare the spatial and temporal patterning of radiocarbon dated archaeological sites with paleoenvironmental information to discuss possible human–environment dynamics and to identify major taphonomic biases affecting the existing dataset. Further, we evaluate the history of radiocarbon dating of Terminal Pleistocene to Mid-Holocene archaeological sites in both coastal and highland settings to identify research biases affecting the record and suggest ways in which future research may address these deficiencies.