Evidence for European presence in the Americas in ad 1021

Transatlantic exploration took place centuries before the crossing of Columbus. Physical evidence for early European presence in the Americas can be found in Newfoundland, Canada(1,2). However, it has thus far not been possible to determine when this activity took place(3–5). Here we provide evidence that the Vikings were present in Newfoundland in ad 1021. We overcome the imprecision of previous age estimates by making use of the cosmic-ray-induced upsurge in atmospheric radiocarbon concentrations in ad 993 (ref. (6)). Our new date lays down a marker for European cognisance of the Americas, and represents the first known point at which humans encircled the globe. It also provides a definitive tie point for future research into the initial consequences of transatlantic activity, such as the transference of knowledge, and the potential exchange of genetic information, biota and pathologies(7,8)

The Indian connection : wood and charcoal from the Roman harbour of Berenike

Opdrachtgever: Stichting Berenike

Archeologie Betuweroute : hout van de donk Hardinxveld-de Bruin gedateerd in het Meso- en Neolithicum

Opdrachtgever: ARCHOL BV., Leiden

Archeologie Betuweroute : de laatmesolitische boomstamkano's van Hardinxveld-de Bruin

Opdrachtgever: Rail Infrabeheer, Utrecht

Archeobotanisch onderzoek naar de balseming van de Bredase Nassau's

Opdrachtgever: Gemeente Breda

Nieuwenhoorn inheems-Romeinse boerderij. Projectnummer dendrochronologie (Stichting RING): 1989017

Dendrochronological research projec

Branch age and diameter: useful criteria for recognising woodland management in the present and past?

When prehistoric archaeological sites yield non-carbonised wood, one of the ways to test for management practices consisting of pollarding and coppicing is analysis of branch diameter and age. However, the interpretation of such data is often based on assumptions. To test whether it is in fact possible to identify past woodland management on the basis of age/diameter analysis in archaeological wood assemblages, this paper presents models that predict the expected age and diameter distribution of branches from unmanaged and managed trees. The models have been tested using data on modern-day Alnus glutinosa, Fraxinus excelsior and species of the genus Salix. Branches of modern-day unmanaged and managed trees with a diameter up to approx. 2 cm (not an absolute limit) have a comparable age. Branches with a diameter of approx. 2–6 cm from unmanaged trees are older than similar branches from managed trees. The age distribution in the latter also ends abruptly. The age/diameter data from the modern-day trees indicate that the models can be used to discern management in the past, if branches up to approx. 2 cm in diameter are avoided and if, critically, taxon, sample size, growing conditions, natural disturbance/opportunistic wood collection and the possibility of diameter selection are taken into account. Archaeological datasets mainly from prehistoric sites are then reinterpreted by means of comparison with the models. Indications of management in prehistory as demonstrated by age/diameter are scarce but available. There is thus a clear need for further research in this field. Practical suggestions are provided for improving the quality of future research on woodland management practices by means of branch age/diameter analysisW. Out is a member of the Complexity and Socio-Ecological dynamics research cluster (cases-bcn.net) and is funded by a EU Marie Curie Intra-European fellowship (273610)Peer reviewe

Vlaardings verleden verkend : archeobotanisch en malacologisch onderzoek aan monsters uit het centrum van Vlaardingen

Opdrachtgever: gemeente Vlaardingen, Bureau Archeologie en Monumentenzorg