dating archaeological sites

Dating archaeological sites involves determining when past human activity occurred. This can be achieved through methods like radiocarbon dating, which measures the decay of organic materials, or by examining artifacts and their styles, known as relative dating. Other techniques include analyzing sediment layers, using isotopic analysis, or examining materials like pottery and tools with known ages. Successfully dating a site helps archaeologists understand historical timelines, cultural development, and interactions between ancient peoples, providing a clearer picture of human history.