Temples through time: a radiocarbon-based chronology for the Bronze to Iron Age temple sequence at Pella (Jordan)
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Date
2021-11-15
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Publisher
Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation
Abstract
The sequence of temples at Tabaqat Fahil (Pella) is among the largest and best-preserved in the southern Levant. Its six phases of architecture – exposed in recent decades by the University of Sydney – exemplify the longevity of sacred precincts and documents how temple designs and cult practices developed over time. Pella offers a unique chance to investigate these structures with up-to-date approaches and techniques, since many parallel examples were exposed in the early–mid-20th century (e.g. Megiddo, Shechem and Beth Shean). Pella’s six consecutive temple phases are particularly well-suited to AMS radiocarbon-based dating with a Bayesian approach. Samples for 14C dating were collected throughout the seasons of excavation, and a substantial dataset developed in collaboration with ANSTO and other partner institutions. This paper will
present an analysis of the presently available data, comparing the results of a 14C-based chronology with the traditional dating of each phase, and exploring implications for wider chronological issues.
Description
Keywords
Carbon 14, Jordan, Data, ANSTO, Architecture, Mass spectroscopy, Historical aspects, Middle East, Buildings
Citation
Webster, L., Bourke, S., Dighton, A., Hua, Q., & Jacobsen, G. (2021). Temples through time: a radiocarbon-based chronology for the Bronze to Iron Age temple sequence at Pella (Jordan). Paper presented to the 15th International Conference on Accelerator Mass Spectrometry, ANSTO Sydney, Australia, November 15th – 19th, 2021. (pp. 143). Retrieved from: https://ams15sydney.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/AMS-15-Full-Program-and-Abstract-Book-R-1.pdf