Archaeological dating looks more and more like a trend to stay. Archaeologists, as everyone can see, like dating more than anything in the world. Except, possibly, for debating, ruminating, agonizing, chattering, and gossiping about their dates and those of others.

Recently the market has been overflowing with new electronic applications promising to obtain dates. Many of us have tried sites like OxCal or CalPal, often with highly varying results (>±50 years). But the web boasts crowds of other dating apps, many still largely untried by real practitioners. For the benefit of Backfill readers, we have reviewed some of the latest developments.

The vast majority of new additions to the market have a disappointingly narrow scope. These are sites and applications constructed specifically for dating men and women. While surely a subject attracting prurience, our humanist instinct kicks in: if you are looking to date men or women, you should have the guts to ask their age directly, and the judgement to critically assess the answer. The same applies to the more narrow group of applications designed for dating professionals: trust your colleagues, even on their age.

We may be the last to reject new technology or gadgets, but when it comes to dating, we have yet to meet ‘the one’. Meanwhile, the old rules of archaeological dating apply: trust your instinct, and stay prepared. The pitfalls are many and well tested.

Coin Dates

It may be tempting to go for the money, but the truth is that archaeological money may be old money, but it is rarely real money. A silver-streaked portrait tied with a neat reverse may look firm and irrefutable, but these things have often seen considerable circulation. The stated age may be anything but what you’re trying to date.

Relative Dates

The name says it all. If a date is relative, it’s better not to call it a date at all. You may meet at some level, but that’s simply not what you are after. Look for something more absolute.

Carbon Dates

If you have a penchant for the vague and undecided, this may be the thing for you. Yet in all honesty, these are rarely the dates that make history. If you need to go away and recalibrate after every date, this may not be what does it for you.

Historical Dates

If you see one, get out! They are easily identified by the eerie mix of undiluted overconfidence, and lack of empathy and attention to your data. This may blow you over at first sight, but apply your critical sense and rule it out.

Tree Ring Dates

The temptation to turn back to nature is always with us, but nature is not culture. For all the sap, you may still be stuck with old wood. As a rule of thumb, the more bark, the less bite. In the end, what we’re hoping to date is people, not dead wood.

Whatever you do, though, don’t give up! After all, the allure of dating lies in the fact that you can be sure the answer is truly out there. Happy hunting!

Sid E. Dwellers

Columnist and architraveller