Taking Bayes Beyond Radiocarbon: Bayesian Approaches to Some Other Chronometric Methods

Millard, AR

Abstract

Building on the models for, and practical applications of, Bayesian chronological analysis on the basis of radiocarbon and archaeomagnetism outlined by Buck (Chapter 1), Bayliss and Bronk Ramsey (Chapter 2) and Lanos (Chapter 3), this chapter looks forward to the potential of Bayesian modelling for other chronometric methods. Suitable mathematical formulations are suggested for dendrochronology, uranium-series, amino-acid racemization and trapped charge (luminescence and ESR) dating methods. Some are only initial suggestions for formulations which may lead to practical implementations. For dendrochronology, uranium-series and ESR dating the chapter offers more detailed models, initial implementations, and for the latter two, illustrative case studies which indicate the nature of inferences we can expect to make if such models are adopted more widely. By suggesting such a broad range of extensions to the Bayesian chronological framework this chapter offers great potential for substantially extending the kinds of problems that can be tackled within it, and provides encouragement to researchers who rely on a wide range of dating methods and would like to integrate them all within one coherent framework.

Citation

Millard, A. (2003). Taking Bayes Beyond Radiocarbon: Bayesian Approaches to Some Other Chronometric Methods. In C. Buck, & A. Millard (Eds.), Tools for Constructing Chronologies: Crossing Disciplinary Boundaries (231-248). Springer Verlag

• Publication Date: 2003-12
• Publisher: Springer Verlag
• Pages: 231-248
• Book Title: Tools for Constructing Chronologies: Crossing Disciplinary Boundaries
• Chapter Number: 11
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1695386