Radiocarbon Fluctuations During the Third Millennium BC

Abstract

Precision 14 C analyses have been performed on samples comprising 1 to 4 annual rings from the south-central European dendrochronologic sequence of sub-fossil oak wood covering the period 1930 to 3100 bc. Apart from a major deviation in the 29th century bc, the 14 C fluctuations have amplitudes of ca 10‰ and a possible periodicity of 90 years. A 14 C peak at 2190 bc has a rise- and decay-time of <20 years indicating rather abrupt changes in the production rate of 14 C. The 14 C calibration curve derived from these data can be used for precise dating of the Early Bronze Age in the Near East.