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Cited by 209Archaeology and ancient environmental studiesAncient Mediterranean Archaeology and HistoryAncient and Medieval Archaeology Studies

Chronology of the Early Bronze Age in the Southern Levant: New Analysis for a High Chronology

Open access
Regev, Johanna, De Miroschedji, Pierre, Greenberg, Raphael, Braun, Eliot, Greenhut, Zvi, Boaretto, Elisabetta·2012·Radiocarbon
DOI 10.1017/s003382220004724x
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Abstract

The chronology of the Early Bronze Age (EBA) in the southern Levant and the synchronization between the sites, considering seriation and radiocarbon dates, have shown large inconsistencies and disagreement. We have assembled 420 14 C dates, most of them previously published and a few provided directly by the excavators. The dates have been re-evaluated on the basis of their archaeological context and using analytical criteria. Bayesian modeling has been applied to the selected dates in relation to the given seriation of the EBA subperiods (EB I, II III, IV). Sites with 2 or more sequential sub-phases were individually modeled in order to define the transitions between the subperiods. The new chronology indicates that the EB I–II transition occurred site-dependently between 3200–2900 BC, with EB II–III around 2900 BC, and EB III–IV ∼2500 BC.

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

This paper compiles and re-evaluates 420 radiocarbon dates from 57 southern Levantine Early Bronze Age sites and applies Bayesian modeling to propose a high chronology. It argues that key EBA transitions were earlier and sometimes site-dependent, with EB II–III around 2900 BC and EB III–IV around 2500 BC.

Key findings

  • From 420 dates, after context review and outlier removal, the final analysis used 189 samples; modeled transitions are EB I–II site-dependent between 3200–2900 BC, EB II–III around 2900 BC, and EB III–IV around 2500 BC.
  • The most secure EB IB–EB II transition at Tel Yarmuth and Tell Abu al-Kharaz falls between 3050 and 2950 BC; EB II–III is modeled at Yarmuth and Tell el-Umeiri at 3000–2900 BC, Jericho at 2950–2850 BC, and Bet Yerah at 3000–2750 BC, suggesting ~2900 BC, at least 200 yr earlier than conventional dates.
  • EB III latest dates mostly lie between 2500 and 2450 BC, with only 4 of 56 good-context EB III dates later than 2450/2500 BC; EB IV begins around 2500 BC for most sites, though Beer Resisim starts as early as 2850 BC and the latest EB IV ends after 2000 BC.
  • The EB IA–IB transition, where modeled, spans 3450–3100 BC at different sites; no EB III–IV transition could be modeled because no site has both EB III and EB IV radiocarbon-dated.

Methods

  • The authors compiled 420 14C dates from 57 sites; 60 arid-zone samples were excluded, leaving 360 dates from 41 southern Levantine sites, calibrated with OxCal v4.1.6 and IntCal09.
  • Dates were re-evaluated by archaeological context and analytical criteria; 313 culturally definable dates were plotted, 99 were removed for archaeological reasons, 14 as 14C outliers, leaving 200, and 11 more were removed during modeling, leaving 189 final samples.
  • Bayesian models were run per site with phases and contiguous or sequential boundaries; samples below 60% agreement were treated as outliers and removed, and separate models using seeds only were run to assess the old-wood effect.

Limitations

  • The paper states that many samples come from published and unpublished sources with variable quality and completeness; exact locations and contexts are often obscure, stratigraphic disturbance varies, terminology differs among excavators, and attribution sometimes relies on the excavator’s word.
  • The paper states that charcoal/wood can introduce an old-wood effect, calibration plateaus and wiggles reduce precision, no EB III–IV transition could be modeled, some transitions rest on few dates, arid-zone dates were excluded, no bones were dated, and only 10 samples came from storage installations or jars.
  • Evident from the text: the final chronology depends on outlier removal and site-by-site modeling choices; combining sites produced different results, and the authors recommend modeling sites individually.

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1017/s003382220004724x

Cites

85 of 85 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

9 of 41 cited sources checked · 5 supported · 0 flagged · accuracy not yet measured

  • Premisecitation

    Early dates for the beginning of EB IA are consistent with high 14C dates obtained for the preceding Late Chalcolithic.

    “These early dates for the beginning of the EB IA are consistent with the high 14 C dates obtained for the preceding Late Chalcolithic”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim3 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Bourke et al. 2001 source
    • cites Bourke et al. 2004 source
    • cites Burton and Levy 2001 source
  • Study design and conductreasoning

    Dates from arid zones in the south published by Avner and Carmi are not considered in this work because the associated material culture is meager and incompletely published.

    “The dates from arid zones in the south, published by Avner and Carmi (2001), are not considered in this work as the material culture connected with them is meager and incompletely published.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Avner and Carmi 2001 source
  • Premisecitation

    In the Early Bronze Age, production rates of 14C fluctuated, resulting in several plateaus and wiggles in the calibration curve.

    “In the Early Bronze Age, production rates of 14 C fluctuated, resulting in several plateaus and wiggles in the calibration curve (Reimer et al. 2004(Reimer et al. , 2009)).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Reimer et al. 2004

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Reimer et al. 2009 source

      The Introduction (page not provided) says atmospheric ¹⁴C varied in the past, and “The IntCal09 Curve” says the curve covers the Early Bronze Age by incorporating IntCal04 data for 0–12,000 cal BP. The passages do not establish that production-rate fluctuations specifically caused several plateaus and wiggles during the Early Bronze Age. (LLM, conf=0.82)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
  • Premisecitation

    The EB IB to EB II transition result is similar to that suggested by the sequence of dates from Pella.

    “This result is similar to that suggested by the sequence of dates from Pella (Bourke et al. 2009).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Bourke et al. 2009 source
  • Findingnone given

    The authors assembled 420 14C dates, most previously published and a few provided directly by the excavators.

    “We have assembled 420 14 C dates, most of them previously published and a few provided directly by the excavators.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 54
  • May combine two claims. 58
  • The quote only partly states this claim. 1

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    Previous syntheses of EBA 14C dates have generally indicated slightly earlier dates than the traditional chronological schemes.

    “Previous syntheses of EBA 14 C dates have generally indicated slightly earlier dates than those of the traditional chronological schemes”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Richard 1980 source
    • cites Weinstein 1984 source

      The Early Bronze age section reports some radiocarbon results earlier than archaeological expectations, including an initial series from Ai that was 300–700 years too early. It treats those results as erroneous, however, and says subsequent Ai dates agreed with expectations. It does not establish that syntheses generally favored slightly earlier dates than traditional schemes (page unavailable in our copy). (LLM, conf=0.82)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites Joffe 1993

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingcitation

    Of the 420 dates, 60 samples originate from sites in the arid zone whose material culture assemblages are difficult to assign to a particular EB subphase.

    “Of these, 60 samples originate from sites in the arid zone (Avner and Carmi 2001), whose material culture assemblages are difficult to assign to a particular EB subphase.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Avner and Carmi 2001 source

      The appendix (Table 2; page unavailable) lists radiocarbon dates from desert sites, and ‘Settlement Duration of Desert Sites’ explains that pottery and flint tools once assigned to EB-II have a wider date range, supporting the difficulty of assigning sites to an EB subphase. ‘Settlement Patterns Based on Radiocarbon Dating’ reports 175 dates from 73 sites, but our copy does not identify the cited 60-sample subset; the 420-date total belongs to the citing document’s framing. (LLM, conf=0.85)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductcitation

    Agreement between the posterior and prior distributions follows the OxCal v4.1 convention in which 60% is the threshold for acceptance for individual and overall agreement indices.

    “The agreement between the posterior distribution of the data and the prior distribution follows the convention of OxCal ν 4.1 where 60% is taken as the threshold for acceptance for individual and overall agreement indices”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Bronk Ramsey 2009 source

      In “Inconsistencies Between Measurements and the Model,” the paper describes an individual agreement index with a reasonable minimum acceptable value around 60%, and says overall indices falling much below 60% warrant investigation. It does not present 60% as a firm acceptance threshold: it explicitly says the agreement-index approach has no well-defined cut-off. The comparison is between posterior distributions under the full model and a null prior, rather than simply between a posterior and a prior distribution. (LLM, conf=0.85)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    For the other periods, only the major division was used: EB II (93 samples), EB III (78 samples), and EB IV (27 samples); 37 dates could not be assigned to any specific period.

    “For the other periods, only the major division was used in this study, namely EB II (93 samples), EB III (78 samples), and EB IV (27 samples) periods.The remaining 37 dates could not be assigned to any specific period.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    In this study, only 10 samples could be identified as coming from storage installations or jars, and no bones were dated.

    “In our study, there are very few contexts of this type: 10 samples only could be identified as coming from storage installations or jars.No bones were dated.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    As a result of culling, of the total 313 14C dates available, 99 samples were removed due to purely archaeological considerations, leaving 214 dates from 29 different sites.

    “As a result of this culling, of the total 313 1 4 C dates available (Figure 2), 99 samples were removed due to purely archaeological considerations, leaving 214 dates originating from 29 different sites.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    For EB I as a whole there are 125 samples, subdivided into EB IA (57 samples), EB IB and final EB IB (60 samples), and 8 transitional EB IA/B samples.

    “For the EB I period as a whole, there are 125 samples.These are further subdivided, according to most excavators' determinations, into EB IA (57 samples) and EB IB and”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingreasoning

    The remaining 360 14C dates were compiled from 41 different sites or clusters of sites in the southern Levant.

    “The remaining 360 14 C dates were compiled from 41 different sites or clusters of sites in the southern Levant”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Of the 420 samples, 262 were measured by decay counting and the rest by accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS).

    “Of the 420 samples, 262 were measured by decay counting and the rest by accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The 420 samples include 139 from short-lived sources and 270 from long-lived sources; for 11 samples this information is lacking.

    “The 420 samples include 139 from short-lived (e.g.seed, cloth, goat coprolite, and eggshell) and 270 from long-lived (e.g.wood charcoal and wood) sources.For 11 samples, this information is lacking.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Short-lived samples provide higher accuracy for dating the context than long-lived samples.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The plot includes 313 dates from 41 sites and is based on the 14C dates in Table 1.

    “This plot includes 313 dates from 41 sites, and is based on the 14 C dates in Table 1”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    Out of 323 culturally definable dates, 10 samples were outside the 2000-4000 BC range and were excluded from the chart of all dated EBA samples.

    “Out of the 323 culturally definable dates, 10 samples were out of the 2000-4000 BC date range, and thus excluded from the chart giving all the dated EBA samples.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    An additional 14 samples were removed as clear outliers based on 14C data, leaving a total of 200 samples for further analysis.

    “An additional 14 samples were removed as clear outliers based on l 4 C data, thus leaving a total of 200 samples for further analysis.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Based on stratigraphically more detailed models, sample RTT-5286 also becomes an outlier, and sample RT-2965 is also a clear outlier.

    “Based on stratigraphically more detailed models, sample RTT-5286 also becomes an outlier, and sample RT-2965 is also a clear outlier (Regev et al., these proceedings).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Regev et al., these proceedings

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    Two significant plateaus exist in the timespan addressed: one between 3350 and 2910 BC; the other between 2850 and 2500 BC.

    “Two significant plateaus exist in the timespan addressed in this paper: one between 3350 and 2910 BC; the other between 2850 and 2500 BC.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    At Tell el-Umeiri, sample TH-2000-113 is an obvious outlier and is removed from the model.

    “Sample TH-2000-113 is an obvious outlier and is thus removed from the model.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    At Bab edh-Dhra, the EB II dates are later, resulting in a wide EB IB to EB II transition, ending ~2600 BC.

    “Using currently available data from Kabri, the transition would seem to have occurred earlier, while at Bab edh-Dhra the EB II dates are later, resulting in a wide EB IB to EB II transition, ending -2600 BC.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    At Bet Yerah, the EB IA to IB transition cannot be determined, since no EB IB dates exist.

    “At Bet Yerah, the EB IA to IB transition cannot be determined, since no EB IB dates exist.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Findingnone given

    The EB IB to EB II transition was modeled at 4 sites.

    “The EB IB to EB II transition was modeled at 4 sites.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Findingnone given

    There seems to be some overlapping in date ranges between the EB IA and EB IB of different sites.

    “There seems to be some overlapping in date ranges between the EB IA and EB IB of different sites.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    None of the EB IA ranges continue after 3100 BC, and most of the date ranges end much earlier, before 3400 BC.

    “It should be noted that none of the EB IA ranges continue after 3100 BC, and most of the date ranges end much earlier, before 3400 BC.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The earliest dated EB IA levels are at Ashqelon and Beth Yerah, where the dates cluster around 3700 BC.

    “Using the date ranges at hand, the earliest dated EB IA levels are at the sites of Ashqelon and Beth Yerah, where the dates cluster around 3700 BC”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    At Tel Kabri, 2 samples are removed as outliers (ETH-4684, -4688).

    “In the model, 2 samples are removed as outliers (ETH-4684, -4688; Figure 8).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    As a result of modeling, 11 additional samples were removed, leaving 189 samples for final results.

    “As a result of modeling, 11 additional samples were removed, leaving 189 samples to be used for obtaining the final results.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    The EB II to EB III transition is based on 4 modeled sites.

    “The transition between the EB II and EB III periods is an especially interesting one.It is based on 4 modeled sites.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Large variations exist within the available EB IV 14C dates, which suggest the period potentially began much earlier than previously thought.

    “Large variations exist within the available EB IV 14 C dates, which suggest the period potentially began much earlier than previously thought.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The following EB IV date ranges have large variations: the earliest (Beer Resisim) beginning as early as 2850 BC and the very latest ending after 2000 BC.

    “The following EB IV date ranges have large variations: the earliest (Beer Resisim) beginning as early as 2850 BC and the very latest ending after 2000 BC.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    Taking the same data (184 dates) and modeling them by using only 2 adjacent periods, the results are slightly different.

    “Taking the same data (184 dates) and modeling them by using only 2 adjacent periods, the results are slightly different.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    All of the EB II date ranges from west of the Jordan River, except for 1 date from Tel Yaqush, end ~2900 BC, whereas EB III dates commence directly afterwards, with only a few dates being slightly older.

    “All of the EB II date ranges from west of the Jordan River, except for 1 date from Tel Yaqush, end -2900 BC, whereas EB III dates commence directly afterwards, with only a few dates being slightly older.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    In our work, the short-lived samples were compared with the charcoal samples, showing a mild old-wood effect that accounted for differences of up to 50 yr in our transition models.

    “In our work, the short-lived samples were compared with the charcoal samples, showing a mild old-wood effect that accounted for differences of up to 50 yr in our transition models.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

    Findingnone given

    The transition EB IA-IB is 3330-3150 BC (from another model).

    “EB IA-IB: 3330-3150 BC.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The archaeological subphase attributions of the 14C samples are correct.
    • Rests on an assumption: The 14C measurements are accurate and reflect the true age of the samples.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Four additional sites (Modi'in, Taur Ikhbeineh, Sataf, and Kabri) show some variations for dated samples of EB IA, but they are generally younger and date closer to 3500 BC or later.

    “Four additional sites (Modi'in, Taur Ikhbeineh, Sataf, and Kabri) where 1 4 C dates were obtained show some variations for the dated samples of EB IA, but they are generally younger and date closer to 3500 BC or even later.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The archaeological subphase attributions of the 14C samples are correct.
    • Rests on an assumption: The 14C measurements are accurate and reflect the true age of the samples.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Findingown data

    Agreement of the model is 87%.

    “Agreement of the model is 87%.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The archaeological subphase attributions of the 14C samples are correct.
    • Rests on an assumption: The 14C measurements are accurate and reflect the true age of the samples.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Using OxCal agreement values, the identified outliers for EB I are RTT-3902*, GrA-222*6315*6332*, OxA-5096*, RTT-5436*, RTT-5437*, RTT-5435*; for EB II: RT-2210, OxA-2813, GrN-18540* (A% = 31).

    “Using the OxCal agreement values (A%) on dates, the identified outliers for EBI are RTT-3902*, GrA-222*6315*6332*, OxA-5096*, RTT-5436*, RTT-5437*, RTT-5435*; for EB II: RT-2210, OxA-2813, GrN-18540* (A% = 31).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The archaeological subphase attributions of the 14C samples are correct.
    • Rests on an assumption: The 14C measurements are accurate and reflect the true age of the samples.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    At Ashqelon, all EB IA date ranges except RT-2567 and -2247/8 (considered outliers) end before 3380 BC, and most end before 3500 BC.

    “Currently, all the EB IA date ranges (except RT-2567 and -2247/8, which are considered outliers in the modeling) end before 3380 BC, and most of them even before 3500 BC”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The archaeological subphase attributions of the 14C samples are correct.
    • Rests on an assumption: The 14C measurements are accurate and reflect the true age of the samples.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    In the model with contiguous boundaries, 21 samples are removed as outliers and still some additional samples remain slightly below 60% agreement.

    “In the model with contiguous boundaries, 21 samples are removed as outliers (RT-2154*, RT-2324, Beta-134011, RTT-5435*, RT-2210, OxA-2813, GrN-18540*, GrN-18545*, GrN-18546*, OxA-2814, GrN-18541*, OxA-*5092, OxA-2810, Beta-134009, Beta-134010, Hd-19610, TH-2000-105(1), TH-2000-106(2), Hd-19625, BM-1780, Beta-163588) and still some additional samples remain slightly below 60% agreement.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The archaeological subphase attributions of the 14C samples are correct.
    • Rests on an assumption: The 14C measurements are accurate and reflect the true age of the samples.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Study design and conductown data

    The dates were re-evaluated on the basis of their archaeological context and using analytical criteria.

    “The dates have been re-evaluated on the basis of their archaeological context and using analytical criteria.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Study design and conductown data

    Bayesian modeling was applied to the selected dates in relation to the given seriation of the EBA subperiods (EB I, II, III, IV).

    “Bayesian modeling has been applied to the selected dates in relation to the given seriation of the EBA subperiods (EB I, II III, IV).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Study design and conductnone given

    Sites with two or more sequential subphases were individually modeled in order to define the transitions between the subperiods.

    “Sites with 2 or more sequential subphases were individually modeled in order to define the transitions between the subperiods.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductcitation

    The very earliest dates from Ashqelon EB IA are questionable because the site also had a Chalcolithic occupation and the pottery associated with the earliest dates could be mixed EB and Chalcolithic assemblages.

    “The very earliest dates from Ashqelon EB IA are questionable, since the site also had a Chalcolithic occupation, and the pottery associated with the earliest dates could be mixed EB and Chalcolithic assemblages”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Braun and Gophna 2004

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The accuracy and precision of 14C dates depend first and foremost on the certainty of their direct association to specific, well-defined archaeological contexts, and then on error introduced during analytical processes including sample preparation and measurement.

    “The accuracy and precision of the 14 C dates depend, first and foremost, on the certainty of their direct association to specific, well-defined archaeological contexts, then on any degree of error introduced during their analytical processes, including sample preparation and measurement.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

    Premisereasoning

    Charcoal from hearths, originating from shrubs or small trees with fast growth rates, may not suffer from the old-wood effect.

    “In addition, charcoal from hearths, i.e. originating from shrubs or small trees with fast growth rates, may not suffer from the old-wood effect.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductnone given

    Tel Erani has not been properly published, so its 14C dates cannot be placed in well-defined contexts, and its dates also have large laboratory errors.

    “The site of Tel Erani has not been properly published and therefore 1 4 C dates cannot be placed in well-defined contexts.The 1 4 C dates from this site also have large laboratory errors.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Study design and conductreasoning

    Often, the exact location and contexts of the samples remain obscure.

    “Often, the exact location and contexts of the samples remain obscure.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Study design and conductnone given

    There are differences in the terminology used by different excavators for particular EB periods or phases.

    “Moreover, there are differences in the terminology used by different excavators for particular EB periods or phases.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductown data

    Determinations from a cave at Gezer were removed because their context was associated with pottery of different periods, and others from Gibeon come from an old excavation with no contextual information.

    “Determinations from a cave at Gezer were removed since their context was associated with pottery of different periods, while others from Gibeon come from an old excavation for which there is no contextual information.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Study design and conductreasoning

    The dates used in this study were collected from various published and unpublished sources, implying great variation in the quality and completeness of the associated published archaeological record.

    “The dates used in this study were collected from various published and unpublished sources, implying a great deal of variation in the quality and completeness of the published archaeological record associated with them.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Based on 14C dates in Ashqelon Area E, Golani proposed an earlier beginning of EB IA closer to 3800 BC, similar to a date of 3700 suggested by Yekutieli from Ashqelon sites.

    “Based on 14 C dates in Ashqelon Area E, Golani (2004) has proposed an earlier date for the beginning of EB I A, closer to 3800 BC, similar to the date of 3700 suggested by Yekutieli (2007), based on 14 C dates from a cluster of sites at Ashqelon.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Golani 2004

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Yekutieli 2007

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductcitation

    At Kh. ez-Zeraqun, only 4 of 16 dates are securely connected to the EB III horizon, while the remainders were discarded as suspected old-wood effects.

    “At Kh. ez-Zeraqun, only 4 dates out of 16 (Genz 2002) are securely connected to the EB III horizon, while the remainders were discarded as being suspected of old-wood effects”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Genz 2002

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductreasoning

    At H. Hani, the burial context is mixed with Chalcolithic material and was removed.

    “At H. Hani, the burial context is mixed with Chalcolithic material, and was thus removed.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductreasoning

    Samples from Arad were not used because no basket numbers are given and locus numbers alone could not supply the needed ceramic information.

    “Samples from Arad were not used since no basket numbers are given that would provide additional information on material found in association with the dated samples, as the locus numbers alone could not sufficiently supply the ceramic information needed.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Differences in EB I chronology are mostly due to how 14C dates are associated with archaeological contexts, which Egyptian chronology is used, and how correlations with south Levantine chronology are interpreted.

    “The differences in chronology for the EB I are mostly due to how the 14 C dates are associated with the archaeological contexts they purport to date (Boaretto 2007), which Egyptian chronology is used, and the way their correlations with south Levantine chronology are interpreted.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Boaretto 2007 source

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    Only a correct association of a sample to an archaeological context means that the date will provide meaningful results.

    “only a correct association of a sample to an archaeological context means that the date will provide meaningful results (Boaretto 2007).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Boaretto 2007 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    Samples measured a long time ago were also removed.

    “Samples measured long time ago, were also removed.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductreasoning

    Hartuv yielded two dates for the same phase more than 1000 years apart, and samples from tombs at Jericho were discarded.

    “Hartuv has yielded 2 dates for the same phase more than 1000 yr apart, while samples originating from tombs at Jericho (Tell es-Sultan), which were used over an extended period of time, were also discarded.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • The quote only partly states this claim.

    Study design and conductreasoning

    EB IA and EB IB dates from Tell esh-Shuna and al-Basatin, EB IB and EB II dates from Pella, and EB II dates from Tell es-Sa'idiyeh are not included in the good contexts because not enough has been published on their ceramic assemblages.

    “The EB IA and EB IB dates of the site of Tell esh-Shuna and al-Basatin, the EB IB and EB II dates from Pella, and the EB II dates from Tell es-Sa'idiyeh are not included in the”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    Recent work on individual sites has indicated the possibility of substantial chronological revisions.

    “Recent work on individual sites such as Tell esh-Shuna North for EB I (Philip 2001(Philip , 2008)), Tel Yarmuth for EB I-III (Regev et al., these proceedings), the EB I-II transition at Pella (Bourke et al. 2009), and the EB II-III transition at Jericho (Bruins and van der Plicht 2001) has indicated the possibility of substantial chronological revisions.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Philip 2001
    • cites Philip 2008 source
    • cites Regev et al.

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Recently suggested date ranges for EB I are 3500-3050 BC and 3500-3150/2950 BC.

    “The date ranges recently suggested for EB I are 3500-3050 BC (de Miroschedji 2006) and 3500-3150/2950 BC (Braun and Gophna 2004).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites de Miroschedji 2006

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Braun and Gophna 2004

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    Removal of some samples or complete sites from further analysis and modeling was done by the authors on contextual and/or archaeological grounds, usually because of incomplete or unavailable documentation.

    “Removal of some samples or removal of a complete site from further analysis and modeling was done by the authors on the basis of contextual and/or archaeological considerations, usually because of incomplete or unavailable documentation.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Study design and conductnone given

    The level of stratigraphic disturbance at different sites and excavation squares varies greatly, affecting the primary reliability of samples.

    “In addition, the level of stratigraphie disturbance at different sites and excavation squares varies greatly, affecting the primary reliability of samples.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductnone given

    The associations of dates to archaeological phases assigned by excavators were reviewed by the authors: EB I by E Braun, EB II by R Greenberg, EB III by P de Miroschedji, and EB IV by Z Greenhut.

    “The associations of the dates to archaeological phases assigned by the excavators were reviewed by the authors, as follows: EB I by Ε Braun; EB II by R Greenberg; EB III by Ρ de Miroschedji; and EB IV by Ζ Greenhut.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductnone given

    At Beer Resisim, contexts are considered secure, but the dated material derived from ostrich eggshells.

    “At Beer Resisim, contexts are considered secure, but it should be noted that the material dated derived from ostrich eggshells.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Study design and conductreasoning

    Where exact find spots are unavailable and samples cannot be directly associated with diagnostic material-culture inventories, the authors rely on the excavator's word for the specific EB phase attribution.

    “Where information on the exact find spots of samples is unavailable, and they cannot be directly associated with diagnostic material-culture inventories, we rely on the word of the excavator as to which specific EB phase the sample is to be attributed.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationnone given

    Sample RT-2969 at Tel Yarmuth might suffer from an old-wood effect.

    “Sample RT-2969 might suffer from an old-wood effect.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    Additional models were run according to refinements made by individual authors of the paper.

    “Additional models were run according to refinements made by individual authors of this paper.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    The models were performed using chronological classifications as given by the excavators.

    “As noted above, our models were performed using chronological classifications as given by the excavators.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    All samples at Tel Kabri consist of charcoal, which could suggest some old-wood effect.

    “All samples consist of charcoal, which could suggest some old-wood effect.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The deep slope between 2910 and 2880 BC clearly divides the dates and enables very precise dating within that timespan.

    “However, the deep slope between 2910 and 2880 BC clearly divides the dates and enables very precise dating within that timespan.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Modeling enables a narrowing down of sometimes quite large ranges of dates and produces relatively precise dates for associated archaeological deposits.

    “Altogether, modeling enables a narrowing down of what are sometimes quite large ranges of dates, and produces relatively precise dates for associated archaeological deposits.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The 2 EB IA dates at Tel Bet Yerah probably originate from the very beginning of the period, and a large gap in dated occupation layers exists until EB II.

    “The 2 EB IA dates probably originate from the very beginning of the period, and a large gap in dated occupation layers exists until the next period dated, EB II.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The broad EB II-EB III transition at Tel Bet Yerah can be explained by either a gap in the 14C samples from late EB II or early EB III, or a substantial old-wood effect for the EB II samples.

    “This can be explained by either a gap in the 1 4 C samples from either late EB II or early EB III, or a substantial old-wood effect for the EB II samples.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    Currently, the 14C data do not allow pinpointing the EB IA to IB transition clearly, and some variation exists between sites, probably due to different parts of the phases dated.

    “Currently, the 14 C data, limited as they are for reasons discussed above, do not allow pinpointing the transition clearly, and some variation exists between the various sites, probably due to the different parts of the phases dated.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    The data suggest that many EB III sites were abandoned about or before 2500 BC, which suggests a shift upward of ~200 yr from the conventional date of 2300 BC suggested by some scholars.

    “Hence, the data suggest that many EB III sites were abandoned about or before 2500 BC, which suggests a shift upward of -200 yr from the conventional date of 2300 BC suggested by some scholars (e.g.Mazar 1992;de Miroschedji 2000).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Mazar 1992

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites de Miroschedji 2000

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The differences suggest either a degree of overlap between cultural horizons, inaccurate or wrong cultural association to contexts, or both.

    “The differences suggest either a degree of overlap between cultural horizons, inaccurate or wrong cultural association to contexts, or both.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The shift of several centuries in the beginning dates for the EB III period in this scenario could stretch the EB III to a lengthy 600 yr.

    “The shift of several centuries in the beginning dates for the EB III period in this scenario could stretch the EB III to a lengthy 600 yr.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    The EB IV dates suggest that the latter period began earlier than previously thought, which implies either an earlier transition or an overlap with EB III.

    “While it could be explained as the result of a gap in the 14 C record due to the absence of samples from the latest EB III deposits, the EB IV dates here actually suggest that the latter period began earlier than previously thought, which implies either an earlier transition or an overlap with EB III.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    For the majority of the sites, the beginning of EB IV/IBA can be placed around 2500 BC, and neatly bridge the period between EB III and EB IV.

    “For the majority of the sites, the beginning of EB IV/IBA can be placed around 2500 BC, and neatly bridge the period between EB III and EB IV.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    In our chronological scheme, the EB IB to EB II transition seems to stay generally within the conventional realm, but did not necessarily occur at one time at different sites.

    “In our chronological scheme, it seems to stay generally within the conventional realm, but did not necessarily occur at one time at different sites.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Conventionally, the EB II to EB III transition is dated ~2700-2600 BC and correlated with the beginning of the 3rd Dynasty in Egypt, although an earlier date of ~2800 BC has been suggested.

    “Conventionally, it is dated -2700-2600 BC and correlated with the beginning of the 3rd Dynasty in Egypt (Mazar 1992;de Miroschedji 2000), although an earlier date of -2800 BC has been suggested, on various grounds (Philip and Millard 2000;Greenberg 2002).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Mazar 1992

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites de Miroschedji 2000

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Philip and Millard 2000

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationreasoning

    Based on available data, we cannot exclude the possibility of some coexistence between the cultures termed EB IB and EB II.

    “Based on available data, we cannot exclude the possibility of some coexistence between the cultures termed, by various scholars, EB IB and EB II.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    If the beginning of EB IV/IBA were not around 2500 BC, a gap in human activity in the southern Levant might be inferred between EB III and EB IV, since the EB III dates end at that time.

    “If this were not the case, a gap in human activity in the southern Levant might be inferred between these 2 periods, since the EB III dates end at that time.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    When this shift is taken into account together with the EB IB to EB II transition, it suggests that only a very short duration of 100 to 200 yr is left for the EB II period, reducing its span by 200-300 yr.

    “When this shift is taken into account together with the EB IB to EB II transition, it suggests that only a very short duration of 100 to 200 yr is left for the EB II period, reducing its span by 200-300 yr.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationreasoning

    An earlier date for the end of EB III is also possible since the calibration curve gives quite a wide range of possibilities.

    “An earlier date for the end of EB III is also possible since the calibration curve gives quite a wide range of possibilities.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    Our 14C-based evaluation suggests that the transition from EB II to EB III could have been underway as early as 2900 BC, which suggests a shift of ~200 yr earlier than conventional chronologies indicate.

    “Our 14 C-based evaluation suggests that the transition from EB II to EB III could have been underway as early as 2900 BC, which suggests a shift of -200 yr earlier than conventional chronologies indicate.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The end of the EB III cultural horizon is traditionally seen as contemporaneous with the reign of Pepi I, variously dated by Egyptologists to 2321-2287 BC or 2289-2255 BC, and recently by 14C to 2399-2310 BC (1σ) or 2389-2349 BC (2σ).

    “The end of the EB III cultural horizon is traditionally seen as contemporaneous with the reign of Pepi I (de Miroschedji 2012), variously dated by Egyptologists to 2321-2287 BC (Shaw 2000) or 2289-2255 BC (Baines and Malek 1980), and recently by 14 C to 2399-2310 BC ( 1σ) or 2389-2349 BC (2σ) (Bronk Ramsey et al. 2010).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites de Miroschedji 2012

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Shaw 2000 source
    • cites Bronk Ramsey et al. 2010 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Interpretationreasoning

    The possible coexistence may actually reflect the terminological confusion surrounding the EB IB-EB II transition.

    “This, however, may actually reflect the terminological confusion surrounding the EB IB-EB II transition.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    The EB III-IV boundary can be lowered to ~2500 BC by choosing the oldest EB IV dates as outliers, but generally the boundary is clear.

    “The boundary can be lowered to -2500 BC by choosing the oldest EB IV dates as outliers, but generally the boundary is clear.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    The EB IB to EB II transition is conventionally dated to the beginning of the 1st Dynasty, at about 3000 BC.

    “The EB IB to EB II transition is conventionally dated to the beginning of the 1st Dynasty, at about 3000 BC (Braun 201 la).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Braun 2011a

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S1 (asserted), S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationreasoning

    The Ashqelon EB IB dates were derived from the latest EB IB phase.

    “This might suggest the dates were derived from the latest EB IB phase.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The calibration curve has a plateau between about 3400-3100 BC that makes the beginning of EB IB difficult to pinpoint.
    • Rests on an assumption: The archaeological subphase attributions of the 14C samples are correct.
    • Rests on an assumption: The 14C measurements are accurate and reflect the true age of the samples.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The relatively large EB IA to EB IB transition could be due to overlapping of periods/subperiods defined by scholars, which clouds the issue and makes the data unreliable as to what they represent.

    “The relatively large transition could be due to overlapping of periods/subperiods defined by scholars, which clouds the issue and makes the data unreliable as to what they represent.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    A date around 2900 BC seems to be firmly based for the EB II to EB III transition, which is at least 200 yr earlier than the traditionally accepted dates.

    “A date around 2900 BC seems to be firmly based for the EB II to EB III transition, which is at least 200 yr earlier than the traditionally accepted dates.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationnone given

    Clusters of seeds in clear association with archaeological contexts provide the most efficacious 14C samples for determining chronology.

    “It is worth noting again, and with emphasis, that clusters of seeds in clear association with archaeological contexts provide the most efficacious 14 C samples for determining chronology.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given

    The beginning of EB IV is not based on modeling, but a date of ~2500 BC is suggested, even though it could have commenced earlier.

    “The beginning of EB IV is not based on modeling, but a date of -2500 BC is suggested, even though it could have commenced earlier.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    The EB III cultural horizon appears not to have continued after ~2450 BC, and could possibly have come to an end at some sites as much as a century earlier.

    “Similarly, the EB III cultural horizon, which appears not to have continued after -2450 BC, could possibly have come to an end at some sites as much as a century earlier.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisenone given

    In Bayesian analyses, dates derived from charcoal can be used as termini post quern for archaeological strata.

    “In Bayesian analyses, dates derived from charcoal can be used as termini post quern for archaeological strata.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
95 of 95

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The EBA in the southern Levant has no historical chronology of its own and has traditionally relied on historical chronologies of neighboring countries, particularly Egypt.

    “The Early Bronze Age (henceforth EBA; the mid-4th to end of the 3rd millennium BCE) in the southern Levant has no historical chronology of its own, and thus has traditionally relied on historical chronologies of neighboring countries, particularly Egypt.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    A general overview of all available EBA dates related to published cultural material has not been previously attempted.

    “Yet, even though it has been frequently noted that newly published 14 C dates are often earlier than expected (Bruins and van der Pli-cht 2001;Golani and Segal 2002;Golani 2004;Anderson 2006;Holdorf 2010), a general overview of all available EBA dates related to published cultural material has not been previously attempted.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Short-lived samples provide higher accuracy for dating the context than long-lived samples.

    “While there is a general consensus that short-lived samples provide higher accuracy for dating the context than long-lived samples, it is necessary to determine if short-lived samples, and in particular seeds, were grouped in clusters or scattered in archaeological sediments.”

  • The authors state this as an assumption.

    In a known sequence of archaeological events, the lowest layer formed before any and all overlying layers.

    “At sites where samples from more than 1 sequential deposit exist, dates were grouped into distinct archaeological phases, such that in a known sequence of archaeological events, the lowest layer is reasonably assumed to have formed before any and all overlying layers.”

  • The authors state this as an assumption.

    Within each site internal stratigraphy is consistent, but separate sites might have similar cultures prevailing over varied lengths of time.

    “since it was taken as a logical rule that within each site internal stratigraphy would be consistent, but separate sites might have similar cultures prevailing over varied lengths of time (due to their particular settlement trajectories).”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The excavators' designations of chronocultural divisions are adequate for modeling despite disagreements among the authors.

    “For purposes of this modeling, we have simplified the chronocultural divisions and maintained the excavators' designations, although at least one of the authors is in strong disagreement with some of the identifications suggested”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The calibration curve has a plateau between about 3400-3100 BC that makes the beginning of EB IB difficult to pinpoint.

    “Additionally, the calibration plateau between about 3400-3100 BC makes the beginning of EB IB difficult to pinpoint.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The archaeological subphase attributions of the 14C samples are correct.

    “Calibrated l 4 C dates of 313 samples from 41 sites, all samples that could be attributed to EBA subphases.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The 14C measurements are accurate and reflect the true age of the samples.

    “Each line depicts a single 1 4 C measurement with ±1σ range and is colored according to its archaeological subphase”
9 of 9

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.

  • Reported 2σ date range is narrower than the 1σ range

    Minor

    The reported 2σ interval lies within, rather than encompassing, the reported 1σ interval. A wider probability interval for the same date cannot exclude values included in the narrower one.

1 of 1

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

8 of the 93 references couldn’t be matched to a known paper.

Research works printed but not linked: 48

  1. Burleigh, 1981, Excavations at Jericho. Volume 3; The Architecture and Stratigraphy of the Tell.
  2. de Miroschedji, 2006, I Will Speak in the Riddles of Ancient Times (Ps 78: 2b): Archaeological and Historical Studies in Honor of Amihai Mazar on the Occasion of his Sixtieth Birthday., 55
  3. Kitchen, 1987, Acts of an International Colloquium on Absolute Chronology Held at the University of Gothenburg 20th–22nd August 1987, Part 1., 37
  4. Bonani, 1991, Excavations at Kabri Preliminary Report of 1990 Season., 8
  5. Klimscha, 2009, Radiocarbon Dates from Prehistoric Aqaba and Other Related Sites from the Chalcolithic Period. Prehistoric 'Aqaba., Band 23, 363
  6. Baumgarten, 2004, An excavation at Ashqelon, Afridar-Area J, 'Atiqot, 45
  7. Philip, 2000, Chronologies des pays du Caucase et de l'Euphrate aux IVe–IIIe millénaires, Actes du Colloque d'Istanbul, 16–19 décembre 1998, Varia Anatolica XI,
  8. Bourke, 2007, Dating the Cultic Assemblages from the Bronze Age Fortress Temple Complex at Pella in Jordan.
  9. Golani, 2011, Culture, Chronology and the Chalcolithic: Theory and Transition., Volume 9, 84
  10. Golani, 2004, Salvage excavations at the Early Bronze age site of Ashqelon, Afridar-Area E, 'Atiqot, 45, 9
  11. Carmi, 2000, Megiddo III The 1992–1996 Seasons.
  12. Braun, 2011b, Egypt before the Pyramids: The Origins of Egyptian Civilization.
  13. Braun, 2011a, Egypt at Its Origins 3., 975
  14. Bowman, 1990, Radiocarbon Dating. Interpreting the Past.
  15. Segal, 2004a, Determination of age using the 14C method on archaeobotanical samples from Ashqelon, Afridar-Area E, 'Atiqot, 45
  16. Braun, 1996, Cultural diversity and change in the Early Bronze I of Israel and Jordan: towards an understanding of the chronological progression and patterns of regionalism in Early Bronze society
  17. Eisenberg, Tel Hebron Final Report of the IAA Excavation 1999.
  18. Hauptmann, 2000, Zur frühen Metallurgie des Kupfers in Fenan/Jordanien.
  19. Boaretto, 2008, In: Golani A. The Early Bronze Age site of Ashqelon, Afridar-Area M, 'Atiqot, 60
  20. Dever, 1974, Gezer II: Report of the 1967–70 Seasons in Fields I and II.
  21. Adams, 1996, Aspects of Early Egypt., 98
  22. Hedges, 1992, Radiocarbon dates from the AMS system: datelist 14, Archaeometry, 34
  23. Amiran, 1969, Ancient Pottery of the Holy Land.
  24. Gibbs, 2010, Excavations at al-Basatin, a late Neolithic and Early Bronze I site in Wadi Ziqlab, northern Jordan, Annual of the Department of Antiquities of Jordan, 54
  25. Braun, 2004, Excavations at Ashqelon, Afridar-Area G, 'Atiqot, 45, 185
  26. Aharoni, 1964, The second season of excavation at Tel Arad (1963), Yediot, 28
  27. Golani, 2002, In Quest of Ancient Settlements and Landscapes.
  28. Boaretto, Radiocarbon Dating of Archaeobotanical Samples from an Early Bronze Age Site of Ashqelon Barnea.
  29. de Miroschedji, 2000, Ceramics and Change in the Early Bronze Age of the Southern Levant.
  30. Fischer, 2000, Ceramics and Change in the Early Bronze Age Southern Levant.
  31. Joffe, 1993, Settlement and Society in the Early Bronze Age I and II, Southern Levant.
  32. Scheftelowitz, 2002, Tel Kabri: The 1986–1993 Excavation Seasons., 19
  33. Philip, 2001, The Archaeology of Jordan., 163
  34. Stager, 1992, Chronologies in Old World Archaeology., Volume 1, 22
  35. Rast, 2003, Bâb edh-Dhrâ: Excavations at the Town Site (1975–1981).
  36. Genz, 2002, Die frühbronzezeitliche Keramik von irbet ez-Zeraqn: Mit Studien zur Chronologie und funktionalen Deutung frühbronzezeitliche Keramik in der südlichen Levante.
  37. Holzer, 2000, Har Shahamon (Desert Kite), Excavations and Surveys in Israel, 109, 165
  38. Segal, 2003, Radiocarbon dates from Horbat Hani (West), 'Atiqot, 44
  39. Lombardo, 2000, Excavations at Jericho, 1998. Preliminary Report on the Second Season of Excavations and Surveys at Tell es-Sultan.
  40. Paz, 2010, Life in the City: The Birth of an Urban Habitus in the Early Bronze Age of Israel.
  41. Stadler, 2008, Tell Abu al-Kharaz in the Jordan Valley.
  42. Segal, 2004c, Rehovot radiocarbon date list VI, 'Atiqot, 48
  43. Zeuner, 1956, The radiocarbon age of Jericho, Antiquity, 30
  44. Yekutieli, 2006, The ceramics of Tel 'Erani, Layer C, Journal of the Serbian Archaeological Society, 22
  45. Segal, 1996, Rehovot radiocarbon datelist V, 'Atiqot, XXIX, 79
  46. Yekutieli, 2007, The relations between Egypt and Canaan in the Early Bronze Age 1–a view from south-western Canaan, Qadmoniot, 134, 66
  47. Holdorf, 2010, Final Report on the Early Bronze IV Area C Gateway and Cemeteries., Volume 1
  48. Segal, 2004b, Radiocarbon dates from Area F, 'Atiqot, 45, 156

Cited by

Sorted by citations

Related

Authors
Regev, J., De Miroschedji, P., Greenberg, R., Braun, E., Greenhut, Z., & Boaretto, E.
Affiliations
  • Bar-Ilan University (IL)
  • Tel Aviv University (IL)
  • W. F. Albright Institute of Archaeological Research (IL)
  • Israel Antiquities Authority (IL)
  • Weizmann Institute of Science (IL)
Corresponding author
Regev, Johanna
ORCID
Venue
Radiocarbon
Publisher
Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Published
2012
Volume
54
Issue
3-4
Pages
525-566
ISSN
  • 0033-8222 (ISSN-L)
  • 1945-5755
DOI
10.1017/s003382220004724x
OpenAlex
W1897707674
Semantic Scholar
5507422ae5d257842ee3d5bf9371cc588e6c5e14
Cited by
209
References
93
Citations by year
2026: 8 · 2025: 9 · 2024: 12 · 2023: 18 · 2022: 14 · 2021: 14 · 2020: 27 · 2019: 27 · 2018: 18 · 2017: 13 · 2016: 11 · 2015: 9 · 2014: 20 · 2013: 7 · 2012: 2
FWCI
9.07
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
www.cambridge.org/core/terms (unspecified, 1660 d)
Locations
  • Radiocarbon (publishedVersion)
  • UA Campus Repository (The University of Arizona) (acceptedVersion)
Funders
  • W. F. Albright Institute of Archaeological Research
  • Tel Aviv University
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Earth and Planetary Sciences › Paleontology › Archaeology and ancient environmental studies
  • Social Sciences › Arts and Humanities › Archeology › Ancient Mediterranean Archaeology and History
  • Social Sciences › Arts and Humanities › Archeology › Ancient and Medieval Archaeology Studies
Keywords
Early Bronze Age, Southern Levant, chronology, radiocarbon dates, Bayesian model, seriation

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Claims read by deepseek-v4.1-flash under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-10-17.

Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-10-17.

Cited sources are checked by gpt-6-sol.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›

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