Infrared Stimulated Luminescence and Thermoluminescence Dating of Archaeological Samples From Turkey

In this study, the potential of Infrared Stimulated Luminescence (IRSL) and thermoluminescence (TL) for dating the archaeological samples (pottery sherds and soil sample adhered to surface of human bone) which were taken from a Necropolis was investigated. Archaeological sherds taken from Nusaybin (Mardin, Turkey), an archaeological site of archaic and Hellenistic period (from 330 BC to 30 AD), were dated. Samples were prepared by the fine grain technique and paleodose values were estimated by using multiple aliquot additive dose (MAAD) and single aliquot regenerative dose (SAR) procedures. The annual doses of uranium and thorium were determined by using the low level alpha counter. The potassium contents, which have no alpha activity, were determined by XRF equipment. The average age of the sherds were found to be 2375±170 years which is in good agreement with the archaeological evidence involving architecture of castle wall, Necropolis and column sherds in the vicinity of the site.