Radiocarbon, the calibration curve and Scythian chronology

Interpretation of Radiocarbon dates can be rather complex. For example, variations in the natural C-14 content cause the C-14 clock rate to vary throughout time, causing the need for calibration of the C-14 timescale. For the Scythian epoch, there is a problematic range in the C-14 calibration curve. Radiocarbon dates of around 2450 BP always calibrate to ca. 800-400 BC, no matter the measurement precision.In order to establish reliable chronologies, both state-of-the-art scientific and archaeological dating methods need to be employed. This includes high precision C-14 dating and AMS, enabling dating of small samples such as from museum collections or other precious materials.