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Accurate dating is essential. There are many methods available - too many
to describe here! Common methods are based on sequences of finds or
scientific techniques. Archaeologists use both of these to date sites from
Londinium.
Dating from pottery
Pottery is one of the most common finds, so archaeologists have built up a
detailed knowledge of how styles and clays changed over the years.
Sometimes pots may carry a maker's stamp, or come from a kiln with a known
date of use. Archaeologists use this information to date the pottery they
find. A datable piece of pottery can give a date to the whole
archaeological layer.
Dendrochronology
As a tree grows, it makes a ring of new bark each year. These vary in
thickness according to changes in weather. By analysing the pattern of
rings in a piece of wood and comparing them with a database, a scientist
can work out when the tree was growing.
Dating in action
Boudica's army burned down Londinium in AD60. Archaeologists have found a
layer of burnt material, including timber, at several sites.
Dendrochronologists analysed the timbers and concluded that they came from
trees cut down in AD59. Imagine being the owner of one of these brand new
homes!
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