Portal de Periódicos da CAPES

RADIOCARBON DATES FROM THE OXFORD AMS SYSTEM: ARCHAEOMETRY DATELIST 32

2007; Wiley; Volume: 49; Issue: s1 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1111/j.1475-4754.2007.00363.x

1475-4754

Thomas Higham, Christopher Bronk Ramsey, Fiona Brock, David Baker, Peter Ditchfıeld,

Pleistocene-Era Hominins and Archaeology

This thirty-second list of dates measured at the Oxford Radiocarbon Accelerator Unit (ORAU) is predominantly made up of those measured since the start of 1996. However, it also includes some dates measured earlier which have not been published in previous lists. The dates presented here include those measured through the NERC/AHRC-funded Oxford Radiocarbon Accelerator Dating Service (ORADS), those funded by English Heritage, and those submitted to the laboratory on a commercial basis. All dates have been measured using the procedures outlined in Law and Hedges (1989), Hedges et al. (1989; 1992), Bronk Ramsey et al. (Arch.List 30) and Bronk Ramsey et al. (2004a,b,c). AMS determinations with OxA numbers greater than 6293 were measured either as graphite (if sufficiently large) (Dee and Bronk Ramsey 2000), or as CO2 (Bronk Ramsey and Hedges 1997, Bronk Ramsey et al. 2004a). In accordance with international radiocarbon convention all dates are expressed in radiocarbon years before ad 1950 (years BP) using the half-life of 5568 years. Errors are quoted as one standard deviation (1σ) and are based on an assessment of all the contributions to the error in the laboratory isotope ratio measurement. Natural fractionation of carbon isotopes is accounted for by measuring the δ13C values relative to VPDB (with errors of approximately 0.3‰). All combining procedures and significance tests are based on Ward and Wilson (1978). Comments composed by the Laboratory on the basis of information supplied by submitters are given without attribution. All calendrical dates quoted have been calibrated using the OxCal computer program (v3.9 or v4.0) of Bronk Ramsey (2001) using atmospheric data from 'INTCAL04' (Reimer et al. 2004), and are quoted to 95.4% probability. Previous Archaeometry datelists are referred to in the form: Arch.List 30. Details of methods applied are described in detail in our in-house documentation. This is regularly updated and archived, so the exact method used for any sample is always fully recorded. The laboratory has used an ultrafiltration method in the purification of gelatin extracted from bones since 2000 (Brown et al. 1988, Arch.List 30). In late 2002 it was realized that the original method used left traces of a humectant (glycerine) in the collagen that could affect the ages significantly, particularly for Holocene samples where pretreatment yields are low (<40–50 mgs collagen). This effect is relevant for all bone samples with OxAs numbers in the range OxA-9361 to -11851 and OxA-12214 to -12236. Subsequent research at ORAU resulted in changes to the methodology, which is fully reported in Bronk Ramsey et al. (2004b). Rigorous cleaning of the ultrafilters is required in order to effectively remove small amounts of glycerine, which is applied during the manufacturing of the filters to keep them moist prior to use. Analysis of the radiocarbon content of the glycerine showed it to be of infinite age (although due to changes in the manufacturing processes for these filters this is not always the case). Given that Holocene-aged samples with low collagen pretreatment yields are most likely to be significantly affected, many samples falling into this category have been redated, with results on average being about 120 years younger with the new method, thereby confirming the findings published in Bronk Ramsey et al. (2004b). There are no affected determinations in this Datelist. In an appendix, a list of withdrawn OxAs from Arch.List 31 is provided. We acknowledge the care and attention to detail of the submitters of the archaeological and environmental samples listed below, and thank them for providing comments on the dates obtained. We would like to acknowledge all past and present members of ORAU who have contributed so much to the work involved in the process of AMS dating. NERC (and since 2004 the AHRC) has provided generous funding for the unit through the ORADS programme. English Heritage has also provided substantial funding for the dating of archaeological samples in England. Sample of bone from Norfolk, England, submitted by C. Duhig of the Norfolk Constabulary, North Walsham Police Station, Norfolk. OxA-12921 human bone, FC03/05 JAC1 (36CC/14/03/601), δ13C =−18.3‰ 76 ± 38 Comment (C. D.): the date is on a sample from a human frontal bone which was washed up on the Norfolk coast in 2002 and eventually passed, by way of local museums, to the Norfolk Constabulary for investigation. It was necessary to determine whether the bone was potentially of forensic interest, but as the archaeological context had been lost, a radiocarbon date was essential. The date range suggested a likelihood that the bone was derived from a churchyard subject to coastal erosion, human remains from which are sometimes washed up or dredged up on or near the East Anglian coast. This, combined with the heavily eroded condition of the bone, satisfied HM Coroner that the bone was not likely to be of forensic interest and the case could be closed. Samples of bone from the Tarbat Discovery Programme, NGR NH915840, Scotland, submitted by M. O. H. Carver, Dept of Archaeol., Univ. York, King's Manor, York. Comments (M. O. H. C.): the first cist grave OxA-13483 is interestingly early (430–600 ad). On historical grounds, and as now endorsed by six other dates, occupation burial begins in the later sixth century. OxA-13485 is surprisingly late at 770–870 ad (68.2%). It is followed stratigraphically by three graves dated to the seventh century. OxA-13490 is stratigraphically earlier than OxA-13491. The dates are statistically indistinguishable. In general, the new dates have added strong endorsement to the proposed gap between the eighth–ninth century and the late 11th/12th hypothesized as being caused by the abandonment of the early monastery and its revival as a parish church. We expect to take delivery soon of bone from the earlier discovery of burials on the peninsula which might derive from occupation before the monastery. These would be of the greatest importance and we will apply to have them dated. In January 2003 an intact human cranium and other skull fragments were found outside an active badger sett on the northern slope of Oxteddle Bottom (TQ 43141004) in the Malling-Caburn Downs east of Lewes, East Sussex. Although no barrow has been recorded in the immediate vicinity, Curwen's (1954) work indicates that barrows existed in the locality on the basis of finds he reported from the vicinity. This sample was submitted in 2003 by G. Vines and F. Price, 9 St Peter's Place, Lewes, East Sussex BN7 1YP (members of the Sussex Archaeological Society). OxA-12346 human bone, δ13C =−20.4‰ 3301 ± 27 Comment (G. V. and F. P.): OxA-12346 gives a calibrated date of 1660–1505 cal bc (95.4%). This indicates that the skull, and the burial from which it originated, is of Middle Bronze Age date and this is consistent with evidence of substantial Bronze Age activity in and around Oxteddle Bottom. This activity includes both funerary monuments—about a dozen round barrows which are assumed to be Early to Middle Bronze Age (Grinsell 1934; Curwen 1954)—and evidence of settlement and farming (Allen 1995). One round barrow near Oxteddle Bottom is reported as one of the richest burial assemblages found in Sussex, including a composite jet, amber and faience necklace, a bronze finger ring and a secondary series collared urn (Curwen 1954, 157, fig 45; Longworth 1984, 197, No. 562). Although its precise location is unknown (Grinsell 1953), it is thought to have been 'on the slope of the hill to the NE of Oxteddle Bottom' (East Sussex SMR 1439). The slopes of Oxteddle Bottom (centred TQ 437099 and TQ 440099) are still covered with small and rectangular lynchetted field systems recorded as Iron Age or Romano-British, but which are probably Bronze Age. Similarly there are field systems and lynchet terraces in Bible Bottom. Other evidence of Middle Bronze Age settlement includes a rare Bronze Age awl in Oxteddle (Wallis 1993). The radiocarbon result of the skull places this burial in the Middle Bronze Age for which there is a wealth of other activity. It rules out the possibility of this burial being either Neolithic or Saxon for which there is also evidence of burial locally (Curwen 1954). A sample of bone from the site at Alexandra Dock, Newport, (NGR ST 317841) submitted by M. Bell, Dept. Archaeol., Univ. Reading. OxA-7656 human bone, D8/74/1, δ13C =−22.3‰ 3995 ± 45 Comment (M. B.): this is a date from a human skull deeply stratified in the excavation of Alexandra Docks in 1910. The date confirms the prehistoric, Neolithic date of this skull. It provides possible early evidence for the deposition of human crania in wetland contexts as attested later in the Bronze Age at Goldcliff. Two samples of bone and two samples of peat from the site of Goldcliff, Gwent, (NGR ST 362820) submitted by M. Bell, Dept. Archaeol., Univ. Reading. Comment (M. B.): human skull 2 (OxA-7659) was found stratified in peat on 31st October 1990 (Newport Museum No. 497). The date demonstrates skull deposition in the late Bronze Age. The date is close to that of a small wood structure 8 m away which may be a platform associated with skull deposition. Human skull 1214 (OxA-7744) was found in 1992 in environmental sampling pit 15 within peat. It demonstrates skull deposition in wetland in the later Bronze Age. The two skulls (OxA-7744 and -7659) were only c. 1 m apart and the dates show that skull deposition here at the wetland edge extended over half a millennium. OxA-7782 dated peat immediately above skull 1214. The peat is over a millennium earlier than the skull. OxA-7783 dated peat immediately below skull 1214. This peat is slightly older than OxA-7782. Together OxA-7782 and -7783 demonstrate that the skull was pushed down into the peat either deliberately, or as a result of Bronze Age cattle trample, for which there was footprint evidence in the section. Sample of bone from the Orb Works, Newport, (NGR ST 325864) submitted by M. Bell, Dept. Archaeol., Univ. Reading. OxA-7658 human bone, Orb Works, δ13C =−18.9‰ 1925 ± 40 Comment (M. B.): a human skull from below 10 m of estuarine clay found during building works at the Orb steelworks, OxA-7658 demonstrates a Late Iron Age or Romano-British date for this skull, later than had been expected from the depth described. A sample of bone from the site of Redwick, Gwent, (NGR ST 428 838) submitted by M. Bell, Dept. Archaeol., Univ. Reading. OxA-7657 human bone, δ13C =−16.9‰ 670 ± 30 Comment (M. B.): this unstratified human skull was found in blocks of eroded peat 125 m east of the excavated Middle Bronze Age settlement at Redwick. Dating showed that the skull was unrelated to the numerous prehistoric finds in the Redwick/Cold Harbour Pill area. It is of medieval date, perhaps an eroded medieval burial or drowned mariner. Coincidentally perhaps the date is close to that of the Magor Pill boat wreck 1.33 km east, the construction of which is dated dendrochronologically to ad 1240 (Bell et al. 2000). (see also Bell, 1999 for discussion of the Welsh Severn Estuary archaeology). A stone cist containing a skeleton and an iron spearhead was found at Tanlan (Ffynnongroew), Talacre, near Prestatyn (NGR SJ 11918207), Wales in c. 1932 and identified as the grave of a Viking (Smith 1931–3; Redknap 2000: 94–6). The form of the grave and its siting would support this. The spearhead appears to have been lost but the skeleton was recently rediscovered in the Natural History Museum (Acc. no. PA SK 1646—ex-RCS 4.9095) allowing a reassessment of the discovery. A single sample of bone was taken by staff of ORAU and submitted by N. Edwards, Dept. Hist. and Welsh Hist., Univ. Wales, Bangor, in order to determine a more secure date for the grave. Funding for the date was provided by the Cambrian Archaeological Association. OxA-12899 human bone, δ13C =−18.5‰ 1262 ± 33 Comment (N. E.): a calibrated date was obtained of 685–780 ad (1σ) and 660–880 ad (2σ). The two sigma calibration encompasses approximately the first century of Viking activity in the Irish Sea which is known to have begun by the 790s, making the identification of a Viking grave likely but not inevitable. The earlier date range at one sigma may be because of the high component of marine diet in the bone sample (Christopher Ramsey, ORAU pers. comm.). It is now intended to investigate the feasibility of strontium- and oxygen-isotope analysis of the tooth enamel to try and determine whether the man was a native of the area or, if not, where he might have come from. A sample of bone from the site Oak Crest Undy (ST 435 872), Wales, submitted by R. J. Brewer, Dept. Archaeol., National Museum and Gallery, Cathays Park, Cardiff, CF1 3NP. OxA-8200 human bone, 96.27H, δ13C =−19.6‰ 1775 ± 40 Comment (R. J. B.): OxA-8200 was derived from a sample taken from the left humerus of an incomplete skeleton of a mature, young (25–34) adult, probably female. The skeleton was found in a bath stone sarcophagus (length 2.2 m, max width 0.9 m, height 1 m) during groundworks on a housing development at Oak Crest Undy. The burial was excavated by the Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust and the sarcophagus was donated by David McLean Homes Ltd to the National Museums and Galleries of Wales. The result confirms the anticipated date for the burial in the third or fourth century ad. Two samples—one of human bone, the other of charcoal (Corylus/Betula sp)—from the Early Christian site on High Island, Co. Galway, (INGR 05017 25734), Ireland were sent for radiocarbon dating. Submitted by G. Scally, 81 Upper Leeson Street, Dublin 4, Ireland. Comment (G. S.): the results of the analysis indicate that both the burial and the charcoal came from a closely associated time period (ad 1028–1149 and ad 1023–1149 respectively) and one which corresponds to the previously identified hiatus of activity at the monastery. Sample of bone from a human skull from the site of Heffingen-Loschbour (49:46N 06:16E), Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg, submitted by F. Le Brun-Ricalens, Musée National d'Histoire et d'Art, Section Préhistoire, Marché-aux-Poissons, L-2345 Luxembourg. OxA-7338 human bone, MNHN-1943-2065, δ13C =−20.0‰ 7205 ± 50 Comment (F. L. B-R): OxA-7338 has confirmed the attribution of the inhumation from Heffingen-Loschbour to the recent Mesolithic. Furthermore, this result matches the date from the Gröningen laboratory (GrN-7177: 7115 ± 45 bp), obtained from two bovid ribs associated with the skeleton (Gob 1982; Gob et al. 1984). Sample of bone from Ach Creek, Langenau, Germany, submitted by F. W. Rösing, Anthropologe, Universität Ulm Klinikum, 89070 Ulm, Germany. OxA-9591 human bone, E6-00:II/D1/10082/00, δ13C =−19.9‰ 345 ± 34 Comment (F. W. R.): several human bones, including the frontal part of the calotte, mandible, left shoulder/arm area and left hip/leg area, found on 1st April, 2000, in the little river Ach near Langenau, Baden-Württemberg. Male, age at death around 23–40 years, stature 170 ± 3.3 cm according to Olivier, strong muscular attachments, particularly on the arm. Sample of bone from Erlengrund, Heiligenbronn, Germany, submitted by F. W. Rösing, Anthropologe, Universität Ulm Klinikum, 89070 Ulm, Germany. OxA-9293 human bone, UE16/99, δ13C =−19.3‰ 91 ± 32 Comment (F. W. R.): human calvarium, found on 6th November, 1998, on the bottom of the artificial fishing lake Erlengrund near Heiligenbronn, parish Schrozberg, Baden-Württemberg, after one of the regular drainings. The zygomatic arch was tied to a stone, so the skull had been sunk recently and in a skeletonized state. The individual was male and at death was between 40–60 years old, with a gracile face. Radiocarbon dating laboratories often try to make statements on more recent time periods, for example, the age at death in forensic anthropology, based on the atomic bomb peak of 14C. This is not possible without careful consideration of the age at death of the human in question, since the rate of collagen turnover in bone slows with age. The reader is referred to an article shortly to be published in the proceedings of the 75 DGRM-Jahrestagung 1996 Zürich, p. 128, and to a dissertation by Bettina Danner (neé Lux) that should be completed this year. Samples of bone from S'Hort des Llimoners, Ibiza, Spain, submitted by N. Marquez Grant, Apto Correos 786, Ibiza 07800, Balearic Isles, Spain. Comment (N. M. G.): due to the burial position it was classified as an Islamic burial, therefore dated to the 10th–13th centuries. The earliest occupation would be eighth century, although this has never been verified. We thought that being amongst Byzantine tombs it must indicate the 'first' Islamic individual in Ibiza. However, the dates are much earlier and therefore the classification of 'Muslim' from the burial site cannot be supported. We are still thinking about it. Five samples of human bone from the cemetery of Aymyrlyg, Tuva, South Siberia (51:83E 94:42N), submitted by E. Murphy, Sch. Archaeol. and Palaeoecol., Queen's Univ. Belfast. Comment (E. M.): the cemetery of Aymyrlyg was subject to a programme of excavation from the mid-1960s to the mid-1980s under the direction of Dr. A. M. Mandelshtam and Dr. E. U. Stambulnik of the Institute for the History of Material Culture of St. Petersburg. Some 1000 skeletons of Iron Age date—Scythian and Hunno-Sarmatian periods—underwent palaeopathological analysis by Dr Eileen Murphy during the late 1990s. No radiocarbon dates had been obtained for any of the burials. The five individuals selected for radiocarbon dating all displayed osteological lesions characteristic of tuberculosis. DNA was retrieved from four of the individuals by Dr. Mike Taylor of Imperial College London, and revealed that these individuals had been affected by the bovis form of the disease. This is the first definitive identification of this form of tuberculosis from the archaeological record. As such, it was necessary to obtain scientific dates for the individuals. They were considered to have derived from the Hunno-Sarmatian period—c. second century bc–second century ad. Although the dates broadly correspond to this period there are a number of discrepancies. It is interesting that the date spans obtained from Skeletons XXXI.34 and XXXI.77 are earlier than expected for the Hunno-Sarmatian period, while the date for Skeleton XXXI.101 extends beyond the second century ad. It is intended to undertake a major programme of dating on the Aymyrlyg human remains that will help to refine the chronology of this important site as well as further define the date spans of the Scythian and Hunno-Sarmatian periods. Samples of human bone from five putative Upper Palaeolithic contexts in Ukraine: Buran-Kaya III (45:02N 34:24E), Emine Bair Cave (44:44N 34:12E), Lashchova (48:54N 30:38E), Pogorilivka, (48:22N 25:39E) and Prolom II (45:07N 34:43E), submitted by C. Lalueza-Fox, Unitat de Biologia Evolutiva, Dept. Ciencies de la Salut i de la Vida, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Dr. Aiguader 80, 08003 Barcelona, Spain. Comment (C. L.-F.): the results showed that in fact most of the human remains were much more recent (e.g. Late Neolithic) and, therefore, not particularly interesting. In the case of Buran Kaya III site, the remains come from a layer archaeologically well established to the Mesolithic and therefore, according to the archaeologists, the c. 36 000 bp date obtained cannot be trusted. Finally, a probable Neanderthal phalange from Prolom II did not yield enough material for 14C dating. We will need to check new sites with clearer archaeological contexts, and hope to be able to produce more interesting results in the future. The samples represent part of a larger dating programme that is designed to add temporal context to the Later Stone Age burials of southernmost Africa. All five samples are from infant or juvenile human burials, all curated at the Albany Museum, Grahamstown, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Samples submitted by Susan Pfeiffer, 100 St. George Street, Room 2020, Toronto, ON, Canada M55 393. OxA-V-2090-50 human bone, ALB 318, δ13C =−12.5‰ 887 ± 27 OxA-13569 human bone, ALB 265, δ13C =−12.8‰ 5934 ± 33 OxA-13571 human bone, ALB 300, δ13C =−12.8‰ 805 ± 27 Comments (S. P.): in two instances, ALB 311 (Welgeluk) and ALB 122 (Wilton Large Rock Shelter), the dates generated are highly consistent with the dates from other burials from the rock shelter sites. The other three dates are from sites from which bones were salvaged or excavated by amateurs. Two coastal locales both yielded relatively recent dates (ALB 318 and ALB 300), which is consistent with our developing sense of patterning. The most interesting date is that from a cave near New Gloucester, Trappes Valley. In 1964, the discoverer reported that this skeleton had been found in a 'grave lined with limestone' and that there was associated pottery. This would suggest a date from the last 2000 years. The date of almost 6000 years, while quite consistent with rockshelter burials from the Eastern Cape, could not have been anticipated from the filed report. Lab Comment: Note that the OxA-V-prefix (samples ALB 122 and 318) denote samples prepared outside ORAU and submitted for combustion, graphitization and AMS dating. Samples from the Bull Savannah Cave (17:52:45N 77:36:10W), Jamaica, submitted by P. Allsworth-Jones, Dept. Hist. and Archaeol., Univ. West Indies, Kingston, Jamaica. The dates were funded by the Institute of Bioarchaeology. Lab Comment: these dates are on two samples of bone from the occipital of a single human skull recovered from the site of Bull Savannah Cave, Jamaica. ORAU dated the samples after the Beta Analytic, Inc. facility in Miami provided a date for gelatin extracted from the skull of 2760 ± 40 bp (Beta-177107). The three ORAU determinations were all of ultrafiltered gelatin (see Bronk Ramsey et al. 2004b). OxA-13614 was given an additional solvent extraction using methanol and water washes in order to assess whether this would produce a difference in radiocarbon concentration that could be related to possible conservation material being applied to the bone after its removal from the cave. This was undertaken as a precaution, in view of other results obtained subsequently elsewhere (see below). The statistical agreement of the three ORAU determinations, the lack of documented evidence supporting the post-excavation treatment of the specimen, the absence of obvious sample inhomogeneity, and the archaeological acceptability of the results in terms of the Jamaican prehistoric sequence, tend to suggest that all three determinations are accurate. The analytical data (C:N ratios, % collagen, % wt. collagen) associated with each of the samples were all acceptable and above ORAU thresholds, with no anomalous values noted. The stable isotopes obtained (−13.95, −13.96 and −13.89‰ for δ13C and 11.5, 11.2 and 11.2‰ for δ15N respectively) can be compared with the values recorded for Beta-177107 (−16.00‰ for δ13C and 11.3‰ for δ15N). These values indicate either the presence of a mixed C3/C4 dietary regime or a more extensive marine component to the diet. The first alternative is considered to be more likely. The δ13C values are characteristic of a strong marine signal, but they are not paralleled by enriched δ15N values, as might be expected in that case. The uptake of marine carbon, if this could be demonstrated, would require a correction to account for the marine reservoir offset in the Caribbean. This could be up to c. −380 years, if the individual concerned had been exclusively dependent upon a marine diet. This is not considered to be very likely. Comment (P. A-J): two samples of human bone were submitted to ORAU in order to assess the reliability of a previously obtained date of 2760 ± 40 bp (Beta-177107) produced by the Beta Analytic, Inc. laboratory. A sample of occipital bone obtained from a position directly adjacent to this sample was submitted to ORAU as a check on the Beta date. The initial ORAU determination (OxA-12995) was significantly younger, and appeared to be more in line with archaeological expectation. Beta Analytic then redated the remaining pretreated collagen of the first sample three more times, producing results of 1870 ± 40 bp, 1080 ± 40 bp and 1050 ± 40 bp. D. Hood (Beta Analytic, Inc.) comments that the non-reproducible dating results are consistent with unexpected non-uniform contamination of the portion of bone analysed in that laboratory. This is presumed to be anthropogenic in origin. A third sample of bone from a position directly adjacent to the second was therefore submitted to ORAU to check this possibility, giving the results detailed here (OxA-13614 and -13664). Consequently, if there was contamination in the first sample, this appears not to have extended to samples two and three dated at ORAU. The dating is important because the skull has signs of treponemal disease. These are all dates on faunal remains from the Peştera cu Oase (45:5N 21:50E), southwestern Romania, excavated in 2004 from the surface (Level 1) and the underlying Level 2 of the side gallery which yielded fossil human remains in 2002 and 2003. Additional pieces of the cranium found in 2003 (see Moldovan et al. 2003; Trinkaus et al. 2003a) were discovered in 2004 and 2005, submitted by E. Trinkaus, Dept. Anthropol., Washington Univ., St. Louis, MO 63130-4899, USA. [email protected]. Comment (E. T.): the human remains are the oldest directly dated modern human remains in Europe (see Trinkaus et al. 2003b, 2006), and these faunal remains are being dated to provide a chronological context for the introduction of the Peştera cu Oase human remains into what is otherwise a palaeontological site, dominated by hibernation death remains of Ursus spelaeus. Additional samples have been run by the Leibniz-Labor AMS facility in Kiel and the University of Vienna (VERA) laboratory and discrepancies are being resolved. Samples of charcoal from the site Kostenki 14, Markina Gora, Russia, submitted by M. Otte, Préhistoire, Universite de Liège, 7 Place du XX Aôut, B-4000 Liège, Belgium. Comment (M. O.): it should be noted that bone samples recovered from Layer IVa and Layer IVb were previously unsuitable for radiocarbon dating due to the absence of collagen. Two possible explanations have been developed to account for the discrepancy between the new dates and the earlier estimates for the lowermost layers of the site: (1) the age of the samples lies beyond the effective range of the method (noting that multiple samples were analysed), (2) boiled bone dominates the faunal remains in these layers as a result of human activities. At present, either explanation appears equally plausible and further investigation is required to resolve the problem (Sinitsyn et al. 2002). Samples from Palaeolithic and Mesolithic sites in central Germany submitted by J. M. Grünberg, Landesamt für Denkmalpflege und Archäologie Sachsen-Anhalt, Halle/Saale. Twelve bone samples from the cave (Ilsenhöhle) at Ranis (50:40N 29:14E), Landkreis Saale-Orla-Kreis, Thuringia, Germany, excavated by W. M. Hülle between 1932 and 1938. Comment (J. M. G.): the cave (Ilsenhöhle) preserved the longest Palaeolithic chronology known in central Germany with five major horizons (Ranis 1 to Ranis 5) ranging from the Middle Palaeolithic to the Late Upper Palaeolithic. Ranis 2 has become well-known for its 60 bifacially flaked leaf points, Jerzmanovice points and scrapers mostly made of flint. The layer was lacking in any lithic debris. Ranis 3 was attributed to the transition from the Middle to the Upper Palaeolithic, Ranis 4 to the Gravettian or Magdalenian and Ranis 5 to the Magdalenian or Late Upper Palaeolithic (Hülle 1977, figs. 26 and 28). The samples were taken from bones found in different excavated squares (Qu.), in the sounding shaft B37 and in different areas west and east of the former cave. All sampled bones were directly labelled with a layer description by the excavator. The stratigraphy and the affiliation of the finds to the different horizons, however, seem to be more complex than assumed. The AMS dates can generally be differentiated into two groups, dating before and after the Last Glacial Maximum. However, almost all dates obtained for Ranis 2 are much younger than those obtained for other leaf point industries (c. 33 100–44 300 bp, see Allsworth-Jones 1990, 91), implying that the animal bones were probably not associated with the artefacts. Only one sample (OxA-13047) has an age older than 46 600 bp. It was excavated in a depth of 6.20–7 m. In addition, the AMS dates for samples excavated in the archaeological horizon Ranis 2 (grey and middle brown layer) are not older than those excavated in Ranis 3 (black and upper brown layer). The activities of hyenas, of which a large quantity of bones was found, and the excavation method attributing the artefacts to different coloured layers might, among other things, be responsible for the mixture of at least some of the material. In addition, the roof of the abri collapsed either during, or at the end of, the campsite's occupation in Ranis 3. One sample was submitted from the mandibula of a young child found in 1934 at the base of layer Ranis 5 containing concentrations of rodent bones (Hülle 1977, 25, fig. 16). OxA-13282, however, proves that the child died in the Mesolithic. Feustel (1961, Abb. 3) identified a few Mesolithic flint artefacts in the assemblage of the grey-brown layer (Ranis 6). In addition, at least ten of the eleven incisors of wild boars found in the Ilsenhöhle originate from this horizon (Hülle 1977, Pl. 69). The AMS date confirms that the cave was still visited by man in the Early Postglacial (Hülle 1977, fig. 28). More 14C-dates ar