THE SIGNIFICANCE OF RADIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS OF MULTI-LAYERED ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES IN DATING BIOGENIC ARTIFACTS

Abstract

The methodological scope of archaeology as a scientific discipline continues to expand in parallel with advancements in modern technology. In recent years, multidisciplinary analytical approaches have gained particular attention, especially in the dating of biogenic artifacts. This study investigates the radioisotopic parameters of a cultural layer dated to the 11th–10th centuries BCE, using the multi-layered archaeological site of Grakliani (Georgia) as a case study. The research highlights the significance of radiological indicators in surrounding soil zones for dating tooth enamel artifacts based on Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) signals. The analyzed radioisotopic spectrum offers an effective method for assessing layer stability and identifying potential mixing in multi-layered archaeological sites. By examining isotopes from the uranium-thorium series and the specific radioactivity of radioactive potassium, the study proposes an analytical approach that serves two key purposes: first, to determine the integrity or disturbance of cultural layers, and second, to calculate the actual integral dose affecting biogenic artifacts. The latter aspect is particularly crucial for improving the accuracy of dose estimations in EPR signal dating, ultimately leading to more precise chronological assessments of archaeological materials.