Optically stimulated luminescence dating of pottery from Turkey

In this study, the potential of optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating for archaeological potteries was investigated. Firstly, recently purchased OSL and alpha counter systems were calibrated. Then, archaeological sherds taken from Datça-Burgaz (Muğla, Turkey) archaeological site of archaic and classical period (700–400 BC) were dated. Samples were prepared by the fine grain technique and paleodose was found by using the additive dose technique. The annual doses of uranium and thorium were determined by using the alpha counter. The potassium, which has no alpha activity, was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. The age of the sherds was found to be 2340±190 years which is in good agreement with the archaeological evidence involving figurines and coins obtained in the same level.