Chronology in archaeology was developed long before radiocarbon dating was possible. The time sequence was based on detectable changes in the material culture. Even 60 years after the development of radiocarbon dating, this seriation model is widely used. In the last decade a major change has taken place based on integrating field work, quality control on the datable material and improvement in radiocarbon dating analysis. This new approach has resulted in high resolution absolute chronologies that in turn raise fundamental questions about timing of events, reliability of material culture changes and diffusion of ideas, trade and so on.
