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Assessing the effect of diagenesis on dateable materials: implications for the chronology of the Levantine Middle Palaeolithic

Project description

New ways to date Middle Palaeolithic sites in Israel

The Levant, an area of the Middle East with a strategic position, connecting Africa to Europe and Asia, has been the main route for the most ancient dispersals of humans. The EU-funded DIACHRON project will improve the chronology of Middle Palaeolithic sites in Israel. Using a comparative approach based on independent dating methods (electron spin resonance of tooth enamel, thermoluminescence of burnt flint and luminescence of sediments), it will consider the impact of diagenetic processes on both dateable materials and sedimentary context. This Marie Curie individual fellowship will provide training for the team in the field of material characterisation and contribute to developing knowledge on several dating methods.

Objective

The Levant is a key area to study past human dynamics: due to its strategic position, connecting Africa to Europe and Asia, it has been the main route of the most ancient dispersals of modern humans out of Africa and a privileged environment for Neanderthal occupation. This project is focused on improving the chronology of Middle Palaeolithic sites in Israel using a comparative approach based on independent dating methods such as electron spin resonance of tooth enamel, thermoluminescence of burnt flint and luminescence of sediments. Their application requires in-depth knowledge of the preservation state of the sample and its macro- and micro-sedimentary contexts, which might affect the accuracy and the resolution of the chronological data. This comparative approach will take into account the impact of diagenetic processes on both dateable materials and sedimentary context. Characterisation methods (e.g. Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopy) will be applied prior to dating in order to assess the degree of alteration and evaluate its effect on age determinations. The DIACHRON project will be hosted in one of the world’s leading multidisciplinary research institutions, the Weizmann Institute of Science. It will be implemented at the Kimmel Center for Archaeological Science, which has been home to the development of sample and context characterisation. The chronological aspect of the project will benefit from the collaboration with the partner institution, the Geological Survey of Israel, which is internationally recognised in luminescence dating. Open access publications, participation to conferences and science outreach activities will be the core of the dissemination strategy. The training provided will integrate the researcher in the field of material characterisation and would contribute to developing a unique interdisciplinary profile combining the knowledge of several dating methods, with clear benefits for the career development of the fellow.

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Topic(s)

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MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)

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Call for proposal

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(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-IF-2020

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Coordinator

WEIZMANN INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 173 464,32
Address
HERZL STREET 234
7610001 Rehovot
Israel

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Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

€ 173 464,32
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