Early radiocarbon tests on Egyptian material achieved accuracy margins that are subject to calibration debates. Nefaru's coffin dated to approximately 2625 BC vs mainstream placement around 2613-2589 BC, and Joser's to approximately 2700 BC vs mainstream around 2670-2640 BC. Early radiocarbon testing at Giza was conducted on 3rd-4th dynasty sites, though margins of error were larger than modern techniques. Mainstream Egyptology places the Great Pyramids in the 4th dynasty. Given calibration debates, radiocarbon dating allows for different interpretations of Egyptian chronology.
Early radiocarbon dating showed 50-year accuracy at Giza.
EgyptTechnology
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Key facts
- 1949 radiocarbon dating tests on Egyptian coffins had margin of error of +/- 75 years
- Nefaru's coffin dated to 2625 BC vs mainstream rule 2613-2589 BC (36-year difference)
- Joser coffin dated to 2700 BC vs rule 2670-2640 BC (60-year difference)
- Early tests achieved accuracy within 50 years of king's reigns covering 3rd-4th dynasty
- Mainstream Egyptology places 3 big pyramids and Sphinx in 4th dynasty
Sources
cambridge.org
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archive.archaeology.org
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academia.edu
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caeno.org
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c14.arch.ox.ac.uk
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