Andrzej Rakowski
Biographic Data
| ID | 5152502 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Andrzej Rakowski |
| GIVEN NAMES | Andrzej |
| FAMILY NAME | Rakowski |
| SIGNATURE | RAKOWSKI A |
| AFFILIATIONS | Silesian University of Technology |
| ORCID | 0000-0001-7568-2163 |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 26 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 131 |
| AUTHOR COUNT | 26 |
| EDITOR COUNT | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 1999 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2026 |
| H-INDEX | 6 |
Archaeometry (radiometric dating, metallography) for two early Iron-Age axes from Northern Europe and Central Asia
This study discusses the archaeometry (radiometric dating and metallography) of two Iron-Age axes, one from Kazakhstan (Kyzylzhartas Axe-Adze) and one from Northern Germany (Högersdorf Axe). To understand their age and production, 14 C dating of metallic bound carbon and metallographic analysiswere performed. The Kyzylzhartas Axe-Adze dates to 357–166 BCE and shows an advanced production technique with a careful selection of carburized and non-ca…
Carbon isotopes ( 14 C, 13 C) of Gatersleben plant tissues ( Triticum aestivum L., Glycine max (L.) Merr.) grown during the bomb spike
Here we present an updated version of radiocarbon concentrations measured in seeds from the Gatersleben Crop Plant Research institute. 14 C-isotope measurements for wheat from 1946 to 2020, which were presented previously, have been complemented with 14 C measurements made on soybean and continued until late summer 2025. Additionally, we measured δ 13 C in wheat samples. A comparison of different 14 C time series over the last 80 years from diffe…
Annual rings of algaroba ( Neltuma pallida) tree from northern Peru
This study examines Neltuma pallida wood from the Cerro Laguna archaeological site in coastal Peru to establish a floating chronology and absolute dating. Ten cross-sections yielded a 70-year chronology (CLAA1). Alpha-cellulose was extracted from five single growth rings from one sample for radiocarbon dating, then wiggle-matching in OxCal v4.4 using SHCal20. Results place the youngest ring at 1314–1330 CE (95.4% probability), situating the full …
Timing the Sacred
Absolute radiocarbon dating offers high precision, but its application to historical contexts, such as the Inca civilization, requires a rigorous methodological approach. This research examines methods to enhance chronological accuracy through a case study of artifacts from the Llullaillaco Capacocha sacrifice. Focusing on short‐lived organic remains, it combines radiocarbon and stable isotope analyses (carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen) to produce ac…
Radiocarbon changes in the XI century CE in annual tree rings
This paper presents new radiocarbon ( 14 C) measurements from annual tree rings of English oak ( Quercus robur L.) from Kujawy, Poland, spanning 1042–1062 CE. The results confirm an increase in Δ 14 C values between 1053 and 1055 CE, within the Oort Minimum of solar activity, consistent with literature values (Brehm et al. 2021a; Eastoe et al. 2019; Terrasi et al. 2020). The data reveal a sustained increase in Δ 14 C values between 1053 and 1055 …
Μgraphiline
Radiocarbon dating by accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) requires transforming samples into graphite, a step that typically depends on liquid nitrogen and high-purity carrier gases, increasing both cost and operational complexity. We present μGRAPHILINE, a fully automated, modular combustion–graphitization line that removes these dependencies by combining dual-zone combustion with iron–zinc reduction. Performance was evaluated on more than 180 s…
Human presence in the Salapunku area (Machu Picchu, Cusco, Peru) based on recent radiocarbon evidence
The Salapunku archaeological site is located within the Historic Sanctuary – National Archaeological Park of Machu Picchu (HS-NAPM) in the Cusco area of Peru. Although Salapunku is related to the Inca settlements of the HS-NAPM, during archaeological excavations, we distinguished different moments of cultural occupation from the earliest human presence to complex pre-Hispanic societies such as the Inca and finally to the colonial period. Previous…
How precise can the calibration of a single radiocarbon measurement be
Radiocarbon dating is a widely used method in archaeology and earth sciences, but the precision of calibrated dates from single radiocarbon measurements can be difficult to understand. This study investigates the precision of calibrated radiocarbon dates depending on the uncertainties of the measurement and the details of the calibration curve. Using data for the Holocene epoch and the IntCal20 calibration curve, over 1,000,000 hypothetical radio…
Radiocarbon Concentration in Sub-Annual Tree Rings From Poland Around 660 Bce
The article presents results of measurements of radiocarbon ( 14 C) concentration in sub-annual dendrochronologically dated tree rings of English oak ( Quercus robur L.) from Grabie village near Kraków (southern Poland). Samples of early wood (EW) and late wood (LW) spanning the years 664–658 BCE. α-cellulose was extracted from each sample and their radiocarbon content was measured at the ATOMKI laboratory in Debrecen, Hungary. The EW and LW data…
Using Rapid Atmospheric 14 C Changes in the 7 Th Century Bc to Precisely Date the Floating Chronology for Pine Wood From Józefowo (Northern Poland)
The floating dendrochronological sequence of pine wood from Józefowo, N. Poland was expected to cover the ∼660 BC radiocarbon ( 14 C) excursion. The sequence was radiocarbon dated using the OxCal wiggle matching procedure and the IntCal20 calibration curve. 14 C concentrations were measured in one-year α-cellulose samples from around 660 BC. The published data on the ∼660 BC 14 C excursion from Grabie, Poland were used to absolute date the Józefo…
The Miyake Event in 993 Ce Recorded in Oak Sub-Annual Tree Rings From Kujawy (Poland)
This article presents measurements of the radiocarbon ( 14 C) concentration in sub-annual tree rings. Samples of earlywood (EW) and latewood (LW) from dendrochronologically dated tree rings (English oak, Quercus robur ) from Kujawy, near Kraków (Poland), spanning the years of 990–997 CE, are extracted and their 14 C content is measured at the Center for Applied Isotope Studies at the University of Georgia, USA. The EW and LW data show a gradual i…
Atmospheric Radiocarbon for the Period 1950–2019
This paper presents a compilation of atmospheric radiocarbon for the period 1950–2019, derived from atmospheric CO 2 sampling and tree rings from clean-air sites. Following the approach taken by Hua et al. (2013), our revised and extended compilation consists of zonal, hemispheric and global radiocarbon ( 14 C) data sets, with monthly data sets for 5 zones (Northern Hemisphere zones 1, 2, and 3, and Southern Hemisphere zones 3 and 1–2). Our new c…
Influence of Air Parcels From Northern and Southern Hemispheres on Radiocarbon-Based Inca Chronology
The chronology of Machu Picchu was traditionally associated with the period attributed to the reign of Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui. Within the scheme of the so-called “historical chronology”, proposed by John H. Rowe in 1945, the ascension to power of Pachacuti Inca took place around 1438 CE, and the construction of Machu Picchu began by 1450–1460 CE. Several radiocarbon-dated samples may help to understand the chronology of the construction of llaqt…
Absolute Dendrochronological Scale for Pine ( Pinus Sylvestris L.) From Ujście (Nw Poland), Dated Using Rapid Atmospheric 14 C Changes
Radiocarbon ( 14 C) analyses are commonly used to determine the absolute age of floating tree-ring chronologies. At best, with the wiggle-matching method, a precision of 10 years could be achieved. For the early Middle Ages, this situation has been markedly improved by the discovery of rapid changes in atmospheric 14 C concentrations in tree-rings dated to 774/775 and 993/994 AD. These high-resolution changes can be used to secure other floating …
When Did the Incas Build Machu Picchu and Its Satellite Sites? New Approches Based on Radiocarbon Dating
According to the classical chronology of the Inca State, the ascension to power of Pachacuti Inca took place around AD 1438 and the construction of Machu Picchu began by AD 1450–1460. However, the improvement in the accuracy of radiocarbon ( 14 C) dating resulting from the application of Bayesian analysis has changed our view of the historical chronology. This new research raises questions about our understanding of the cultural development of th…
Human Activity Recorded in Carbon Isotopic Composition of Atmospheric CO 2 in Gliwice Urban Area and Surroundings (Southern Poland) in the Years 2011–2013
In this paper, a record of the 14 C and 13 C isotope content of atmospheric CO 2 for Gliwice is presented for samples collected on a weekly basis in the years 2011–2013. In addition, measurements were performed on the early and late wood from the annual rings of pine trees from five sites located 3–6 km from the atmospheric CO 2 sampling point. The concentration of 14 C in CO 2 samples from the air was much lower relative to the concentration of …
Abrupt Increase of Radiocarbon Concentration in 660 BC in Tree Rings from Grabie Near Kraków (SE Poland)
Miyake et al. (2012, 2013, 2014) described a sudden increase of radiocarbon ( 14 C) concentration in annual tree rings of Japanese cedar ( Cryptomeria japonica ) and Hinoki cypress ( Chamaecyparis obtusa) between AD 774 and 775 and between AD 993 and 994. In both analyzed periods, the sudden increase was observed almost in a single year. The increase in the 14 C content was about 12‰ in the period AD 774–775 (Miyake et al. 2012) and about 11.3‰ i…
A New Graphitization System for Radiocarbon Dating with AMS in the Dendrochronological Laboratory at AGH-UST Kraków
A new vacuum system for the preparation of graphite samples for radiocarbon ( 14 C) measurement using an accelerator mass spectrometer (AMS) was constructed at the Dendrochronological Laboratory in AGH-UST Kraków. The central part of the system is a manual vacuum line for the production of graphite from carbon dioxide for subsequent AMS measurements. The graphitization system can handle up to five samples simultaneously, and the process lasts for…
Increase in Radiocarbon Concentration in Tree Rings from Kujawy Village (Se Poland) Around Ad 993–994
An increase in atmospheric radiocarbon ( 14 C) content of about 11.3‰ in the period AD 993–994 was observed in annual tree rings from Japanese cedar ( Cryptomeria japonica ) and Hinoki cypress ( Chamaecyparis obtusa) (Miyake et al. 2013, 2014). Single-year samples of dendrochronologically dated tree rings (English oak, Quercus robur ) from Kujawy, a village near Krakow (SE Poland), spanning the years AD 981–1000, were collected, and their 14 C co…
Radiocarbon Concentration in Annual Tree Rings from the Salamanca Region, Western Spain
Tree-ring samples were taken from a from a pine tree ( Pinus pinea ) growing in Villar de Peralonso, a rural area 50 km west of the city of Salamanca, Spain. All samples were processed to extract α-cellulose and the radiocarbon concentration in each annual ring was measured using accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) at the University of Nagoya, Japan. The data set covers a growth period between 1979 and 2006, and represents the concentrations of 1…
Mussels with Meat
Local reservoir ages are often estimated from the difference between the radiocarbon ages of aquatic material and associated terrestrial samples for which no reservoir effect is expected. Frequently, the selected aquatic material consists of bivalve shells that are typically well preserved in the archaeological record. For instance, large shell middens attest to the importance of mussel consumption at both coastal and inland sites. However, diffe…
Carbon Isotopes in Tree Rings
New records of δ 13 C and Δ 14 C values in annual rings of pine and oak from different sites around the world were obtained with a time resolution of 1 yr. The results obtained for Europe (Poland), east Asia (Japan), and South America (Peru) are presented in this paper. The δ 13 C and radiocarbon concentration of α-cellulose from annual tree rings of pine and of the latewood of oak were measured by both accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) and liq…
Radiocarbon Concentration in the Atmosphere and Modern Tree Rings in the K0052Aków Area, Southern Poland
New results of radiocarbon concentration in tree rings from the Kraków region covering a growth period of 20 yr have been analyzed, and the relationship between them and 14 C concentrations in the atmospheric CO 2 are described. This enabled assessment of the uptake period for pine trees at the regional climatic conditions. Both sets of data show lower 14 C concentrations than reported for “clean air” at the reference station, indicating a remark…
What is music
Changes of 14 C Concentration in Modern Trees from Upper Silesia Region, Poland
Radiocarbon concentration measurements in tree rings from Upper Silesia indicate significantly lower 14 C concentration as compared to the concentrations occurring in “clean air” areas. This phenomenon is known as the Suess effect and is caused by contamination with inactive carbon that originates from fossil fuels combustion. This effect is observed in large urban and industrial areas. Samples for the measurements presented in the paper were col…
Atmospheric Radiocarbon for the Period 1950–2019
This paper presents a compilation of atmospheric radiocarbon for the period 1950–2019, derived from atmospheric CO 2 sampling and tree rings from clean-air sites. Following the approach taken by Hua et al. (2013), our revised and extended compilation consists of zonal, hemispheric and global radiocarbon ( 14 C) data sets, with monthly data sets for 5 zones (Northern Hemisphere zones 1, 2, and 3, and Southern Hemisphere zones 3 and 1–2). Our new c…
Carbon Isotopes in Tree Rings
New records of δ 13 C and Δ 14 C values in annual rings of pine and oak from different sites around the world were obtained with a time resolution of 1 yr. The results obtained for Europe (Poland), east Asia (Japan), and South America (Peru) are presented in this paper. The δ 13 C and radiocarbon concentration of α-cellulose from annual tree rings of pine and of the latewood of oak were measured by both accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) and liq…
A New Graphitization System for Radiocarbon Dating with AMS in the Dendrochronological Laboratory at AGH-UST Kraków
A new vacuum system for the preparation of graphite samples for radiocarbon ( 14 C) measurement using an accelerator mass spectrometer (AMS) was constructed at the Dendrochronological Laboratory in AGH-UST Kraków. The central part of the system is a manual vacuum line for the production of graphite from carbon dioxide for subsequent AMS measurements. The graphitization system can handle up to five samples simultaneously, and the process lasts for…
Mussels with Meat
Local reservoir ages are often estimated from the difference between the radiocarbon ages of aquatic material and associated terrestrial samples for which no reservoir effect is expected. Frequently, the selected aquatic material consists of bivalve shells that are typically well preserved in the archaeological record. For instance, large shell middens attest to the importance of mussel consumption at both coastal and inland sites. However, diffe…
Changes of 14 C Concentration in Modern Trees from Upper Silesia Region, Poland
Radiocarbon concentration measurements in tree rings from Upper Silesia indicate significantly lower 14 C concentration as compared to the concentrations occurring in “clean air” areas. This phenomenon is known as the Suess effect and is caused by contamination with inactive carbon that originates from fossil fuels combustion. This effect is observed in large urban and industrial areas. Samples for the measurements presented in the paper were col…
Abrupt Increase of Radiocarbon Concentration in 660 BC in Tree Rings from Grabie Near Kraków (SE Poland)
Miyake et al. (2012, 2013, 2014) described a sudden increase of radiocarbon ( 14 C) concentration in annual tree rings of Japanese cedar ( Cryptomeria japonica ) and Hinoki cypress ( Chamaecyparis obtusa) between AD 774 and 775 and between AD 993 and 994. In both analyzed periods, the sudden increase was observed almost in a single year. The increase in the 14 C content was about 12‰ in the period AD 774–775 (Miyake et al. 2012) and about 11.3‰ i…
When Did the Incas Build Machu Picchu and Its Satellite Sites? New Approches Based on Radiocarbon Dating
According to the classical chronology of the Inca State, the ascension to power of Pachacuti Inca took place around AD 1438 and the construction of Machu Picchu began by AD 1450–1460. However, the improvement in the accuracy of radiocarbon ( 14 C) dating resulting from the application of Bayesian analysis has changed our view of the historical chronology. This new research raises questions about our understanding of the cultural development of th…
Increase in Radiocarbon Concentration in Tree Rings from Kujawy Village (Se Poland) Around Ad 993–994
An increase in atmospheric radiocarbon ( 14 C) content of about 11.3‰ in the period AD 993–994 was observed in annual tree rings from Japanese cedar ( Cryptomeria japonica ) and Hinoki cypress ( Chamaecyparis obtusa) (Miyake et al. 2013, 2014). Single-year samples of dendrochronologically dated tree rings (English oak, Quercus robur ) from Kujawy, a village near Krakow (SE Poland), spanning the years AD 981–1000, were collected, and their 14 C co…
Radiocarbon Concentration in Sub-Annual Tree Rings From Poland Around 660 Bce
The article presents results of measurements of radiocarbon ( 14 C) concentration in sub-annual dendrochronologically dated tree rings of English oak ( Quercus robur L.) from Grabie village near Kraków (southern Poland). Samples of early wood (EW) and late wood (LW) spanning the years 664–658 BCE. α-cellulose was extracted from each sample and their radiocarbon content was measured at the ATOMKI laboratory in Debrecen, Hungary. The EW and LW data…
Human Activity Recorded in Carbon Isotopic Composition of Atmospheric CO 2 in Gliwice Urban Area and Surroundings (Southern Poland) in the Years 2011–2013
In this paper, a record of the 14 C and 13 C isotope content of atmospheric CO 2 for Gliwice is presented for samples collected on a weekly basis in the years 2011–2013. In addition, measurements were performed on the early and late wood from the annual rings of pine trees from five sites located 3–6 km from the atmospheric CO 2 sampling point. The concentration of 14 C in CO 2 samples from the air was much lower relative to the concentration of …
Influence of Air Parcels From Northern and Southern Hemispheres on Radiocarbon-Based Inca Chronology
The chronology of Machu Picchu was traditionally associated with the period attributed to the reign of Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui. Within the scheme of the so-called “historical chronology”, proposed by John H. Rowe in 1945, the ascension to power of Pachacuti Inca took place around 1438 CE, and the construction of Machu Picchu began by 1450–1460 CE. Several radiocarbon-dated samples may help to understand the chronology of the construction of llaqt…
Radiocarbon Concentration in Annual Tree Rings from the Salamanca Region, Western Spain
Tree-ring samples were taken from a from a pine tree ( Pinus pinea ) growing in Villar de Peralonso, a rural area 50 km west of the city of Salamanca, Spain. All samples were processed to extract α-cellulose and the radiocarbon concentration in each annual ring was measured using accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) at the University of Nagoya, Japan. The data set covers a growth period between 1979 and 2006, and represents the concentrations of 1…
Radiocarbon Concentration in the Atmosphere and Modern Tree Rings in the K0052Aków Area, Southern Poland
New results of radiocarbon concentration in tree rings from the Kraków region covering a growth period of 20 yr have been analyzed, and the relationship between them and 14 C concentrations in the atmospheric CO 2 are described. This enabled assessment of the uptake period for pine trees at the regional climatic conditions. Both sets of data show lower 14 C concentrations than reported for “clean air” at the reference station, indicating a remark…
Using Rapid Atmospheric 14 C Changes in the 7 Th Century Bc to Precisely Date the Floating Chronology for Pine Wood From Józefowo (Northern Poland)
The floating dendrochronological sequence of pine wood from Józefowo, N. Poland was expected to cover the ∼660 BC radiocarbon ( 14 C) excursion. The sequence was radiocarbon dated using the OxCal wiggle matching procedure and the IntCal20 calibration curve. 14 C concentrations were measured in one-year α-cellulose samples from around 660 BC. The published data on the ∼660 BC 14 C excursion from Grabie, Poland were used to absolute date the Józefo…
Perceptual Dimensions of Pitch and Their Appearance in the Phonological System of Music
The vocabulary of music's basic phonological code cannot be deduced by analysing a linear flow of musical events, but should be understood as composed of units operating separately in dimensions of particular perceptual domains. Over thousands years of human musical activity, special means have been developed in each of these domains to overcome memory constraints associated with the operation of large sets of perceptual units. Within the domain …
What is music
Changes of 14 C Concentration in Modern Trees from Upper Silesia Region, Poland
Radiocarbon concentration measurements in tree rings from Upper Silesia indicate significantly lower 14 C concentration as compared to the concentrations occurring in “clean air” areas. This phenomenon is known as the Suess effect and is caused by contamination with inactive carbon that originates from fossil fuels combustion. This effect is observed in large urban and industrial areas. Samples for the measurements presented in the paper were col…
Radiocarbon Concentration in the Atmosphere and Modern Tree Rings in the K0052Aków Area, Southern Poland
New results of radiocarbon concentration in tree rings from the Kraków region covering a growth period of 20 yr have been analyzed, and the relationship between them and 14 C concentrations in the atmospheric CO 2 are described. This enabled assessment of the uptake period for pine trees at the regional climatic conditions. Both sets of data show lower 14 C concentrations than reported for “clean air” at the reference station, indicating a remark…
Carbon Isotopes in Tree Rings
New records of δ 13 C and Δ 14 C values in annual rings of pine and oak from different sites around the world were obtained with a time resolution of 1 yr. The results obtained for Europe (Poland), east Asia (Japan), and South America (Peru) are presented in this paper. The δ 13 C and radiocarbon concentration of α-cellulose from annual tree rings of pine and of the latewood of oak were measured by both accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) and liq…
Mussels with Meat
Local reservoir ages are often estimated from the difference between the radiocarbon ages of aquatic material and associated terrestrial samples for which no reservoir effect is expected. Frequently, the selected aquatic material consists of bivalve shells that are typically well preserved in the archaeological record. For instance, large shell middens attest to the importance of mussel consumption at both coastal and inland sites. However, diffe…
Radiocarbon Concentration in Annual Tree Rings from the Salamanca Region, Western Spain
Tree-ring samples were taken from a from a pine tree ( Pinus pinea ) growing in Villar de Peralonso, a rural area 50 km west of the city of Salamanca, Spain. All samples were processed to extract α-cellulose and the radiocarbon concentration in each annual ring was measured using accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) at the University of Nagoya, Japan. The data set covers a growth period between 1979 and 2006, and represents the concentrations of 1…
A New Graphitization System for Radiocarbon Dating with AMS in the Dendrochronological Laboratory at AGH-UST Kraków
A new vacuum system for the preparation of graphite samples for radiocarbon ( 14 C) measurement using an accelerator mass spectrometer (AMS) was constructed at the Dendrochronological Laboratory in AGH-UST Kraków. The central part of the system is a manual vacuum line for the production of graphite from carbon dioxide for subsequent AMS measurements. The graphitization system can handle up to five samples simultaneously, and the process lasts for…
Increase in Radiocarbon Concentration in Tree Rings from Kujawy Village (Se Poland) Around Ad 993–994
An increase in atmospheric radiocarbon ( 14 C) content of about 11.3‰ in the period AD 993–994 was observed in annual tree rings from Japanese cedar ( Cryptomeria japonica ) and Hinoki cypress ( Chamaecyparis obtusa) (Miyake et al. 2013, 2014). Single-year samples of dendrochronologically dated tree rings (English oak, Quercus robur ) from Kujawy, a village near Krakow (SE Poland), spanning the years AD 981–1000, were collected, and their 14 C co…
Abrupt Increase of Radiocarbon Concentration in 660 BC in Tree Rings from Grabie Near Kraków (SE Poland)
Miyake et al. (2012, 2013, 2014) described a sudden increase of radiocarbon ( 14 C) concentration in annual tree rings of Japanese cedar ( Cryptomeria japonica ) and Hinoki cypress ( Chamaecyparis obtusa) between AD 774 and 775 and between AD 993 and 994. In both analyzed periods, the sudden increase was observed almost in a single year. The increase in the 14 C content was about 12‰ in the period AD 774–775 (Miyake et al. 2012) and about 11.3‰ i…
Human Activity Recorded in Carbon Isotopic Composition of Atmospheric CO 2 in Gliwice Urban Area and Surroundings (Southern Poland) in the Years 2011–2013
In this paper, a record of the 14 C and 13 C isotope content of atmospheric CO 2 for Gliwice is presented for samples collected on a weekly basis in the years 2011–2013. In addition, measurements were performed on the early and late wood from the annual rings of pine trees from five sites located 3–6 km from the atmospheric CO 2 sampling point. The concentration of 14 C in CO 2 samples from the air was much lower relative to the concentration of …
Absolute Dendrochronological Scale for Pine ( Pinus Sylvestris L.) From Ujście (Nw Poland), Dated Using Rapid Atmospheric 14 C Changes
Radiocarbon ( 14 C) analyses are commonly used to determine the absolute age of floating tree-ring chronologies. At best, with the wiggle-matching method, a precision of 10 years could be achieved. For the early Middle Ages, this situation has been markedly improved by the discovery of rapid changes in atmospheric 14 C concentrations in tree-rings dated to 774/775 and 993/994 AD. These high-resolution changes can be used to secure other floating …
When Did the Incas Build Machu Picchu and Its Satellite Sites? New Approches Based on Radiocarbon Dating
According to the classical chronology of the Inca State, the ascension to power of Pachacuti Inca took place around AD 1438 and the construction of Machu Picchu began by AD 1450–1460. However, the improvement in the accuracy of radiocarbon ( 14 C) dating resulting from the application of Bayesian analysis has changed our view of the historical chronology. This new research raises questions about our understanding of the cultural development of th…
The Miyake Event in 993 Ce Recorded in Oak Sub-Annual Tree Rings From Kujawy (Poland)
This article presents measurements of the radiocarbon ( 14 C) concentration in sub-annual tree rings. Samples of earlywood (EW) and latewood (LW) from dendrochronologically dated tree rings (English oak, Quercus robur ) from Kujawy, near Kraków (Poland), spanning the years of 990–997 CE, are extracted and their 14 C content is measured at the Center for Applied Isotope Studies at the University of Georgia, USA. The EW and LW data show a gradual i…
Atmospheric Radiocarbon for the Period 1950–2019
This paper presents a compilation of atmospheric radiocarbon for the period 1950–2019, derived from atmospheric CO 2 sampling and tree rings from clean-air sites. Following the approach taken by Hua et al. (2013), our revised and extended compilation consists of zonal, hemispheric and global radiocarbon ( 14 C) data sets, with monthly data sets for 5 zones (Northern Hemisphere zones 1, 2, and 3, and Southern Hemisphere zones 3 and 1–2). Our new c…
Influence of Air Parcels From Northern and Southern Hemispheres on Radiocarbon-Based Inca Chronology
The chronology of Machu Picchu was traditionally associated with the period attributed to the reign of Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui. Within the scheme of the so-called “historical chronology”, proposed by John H. Rowe in 1945, the ascension to power of Pachacuti Inca took place around 1438 CE, and the construction of Machu Picchu began by 1450–1460 CE. Several radiocarbon-dated samples may help to understand the chronology of the construction of llaqt…
Radiocarbon Concentration in Sub-Annual Tree Rings From Poland Around 660 Bce
The article presents results of measurements of radiocarbon ( 14 C) concentration in sub-annual dendrochronologically dated tree rings of English oak ( Quercus robur L.) from Grabie village near Kraków (southern Poland). Samples of early wood (EW) and late wood (LW) spanning the years 664–658 BCE. α-cellulose was extracted from each sample and their radiocarbon content was measured at the ATOMKI laboratory in Debrecen, Hungary. The EW and LW data…
Using Rapid Atmospheric 14 C Changes in the 7 Th Century Bc to Precisely Date the Floating Chronology for Pine Wood From Józefowo (Northern Poland)
The floating dendrochronological sequence of pine wood from Józefowo, N. Poland was expected to cover the ∼660 BC radiocarbon ( 14 C) excursion. The sequence was radiocarbon dated using the OxCal wiggle matching procedure and the IntCal20 calibration curve. 14 C concentrations were measured in one-year α-cellulose samples from around 660 BC. The published data on the ∼660 BC 14 C excursion from Grabie, Poland were used to absolute date the Józefo…
Human presence in the Salapunku area (Machu Picchu, Cusco, Peru) based on recent radiocarbon evidence
The Salapunku archaeological site is located within the Historic Sanctuary – National Archaeological Park of Machu Picchu (HS-NAPM) in the Cusco area of Peru. Although Salapunku is related to the Inca settlements of the HS-NAPM, during archaeological excavations, we distinguished different moments of cultural occupation from the earliest human presence to complex pre-Hispanic societies such as the Inca and finally to the colonial period. Previous…
How precise can the calibration of a single radiocarbon measurement be
Radiocarbon dating is a widely used method in archaeology and earth sciences, but the precision of calibrated dates from single radiocarbon measurements can be difficult to understand. This study investigates the precision of calibrated radiocarbon dates depending on the uncertainties of the measurement and the details of the calibration curve. Using data for the Holocene epoch and the IntCal20 calibration curve, over 1,000,000 hypothetical radio…
Archaeometry (radiometric dating, metallography) for two early Iron-Age axes from Northern Europe and Central Asia
This study discusses the archaeometry (radiometric dating and metallography) of two Iron-Age axes, one from Kazakhstan (Kyzylzhartas Axe-Adze) and one from Northern Germany (Högersdorf Axe). To understand their age and production, 14 C dating of metallic bound carbon and metallographic analysiswere performed. The Kyzylzhartas Axe-Adze dates to 357–166 BCE and shows an advanced production technique with a careful selection of carburized and non-ca…
Carbon isotopes ( 14 C, 13 C) of Gatersleben plant tissues ( Triticum aestivum L., Glycine max (L.) Merr.) grown during the bomb spike
Here we present an updated version of radiocarbon concentrations measured in seeds from the Gatersleben Crop Plant Research institute. 14 C-isotope measurements for wheat from 1946 to 2020, which were presented previously, have been complemented with 14 C measurements made on soybean and continued until late summer 2025. Additionally, we measured δ 13 C in wheat samples. A comparison of different 14 C time series over the last 80 years from diffe…
Annual rings of algaroba ( Neltuma pallida) tree from northern Peru
This study examines Neltuma pallida wood from the Cerro Laguna archaeological site in coastal Peru to establish a floating chronology and absolute dating. Ten cross-sections yielded a 70-year chronology (CLAA1). Alpha-cellulose was extracted from five single growth rings from one sample for radiocarbon dating, then wiggle-matching in OxCal v4.4 using SHCal20. Results place the youngest ring at 1314–1330 CE (95.4% probability), situating the full …
Timing the Sacred
Absolute radiocarbon dating offers high precision, but its application to historical contexts, such as the Inca civilization, requires a rigorous methodological approach. This research examines methods to enhance chronological accuracy through a case study of artifacts from the Llullaillaco Capacocha sacrifice. Focusing on short‐lived organic remains, it combines radiocarbon and stable isotope analyses (carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen) to produce ac…
Radiocarbon changes in the XI century CE in annual tree rings
This paper presents new radiocarbon ( 14 C) measurements from annual tree rings of English oak ( Quercus robur L.) from Kujawy, Poland, spanning 1042–1062 CE. The results confirm an increase in Δ 14 C values between 1053 and 1055 CE, within the Oort Minimum of solar activity, consistent with literature values (Brehm et al. 2021a; Eastoe et al. 2019; Terrasi et al. 2020). The data reveal a sustained increase in Δ 14 C values between 1053 and 1055 …
Radiocarbon dating (23 works) · Archaeology and ancient environmental studies (19 works) · Geology (17 works) · Geography (15 works) · Archaeology (13 works) · Geology and Paleoclimatology Research (13 works) · Paleontology (10 works) · Tree-ring climate responses (10 works) · Dendrochronology (9 works) · Environmental Science (9 works)