A new research paper in Science introduces a refined Cosmogenic Chlorine-36 surface exposure dating technique that has been applied to the megalithic structures of the Jordan Valley. This methodology allows archaeologists to date the actual moment stone surfaces were carved and exposed to cosmic rays, rather than relying on organic remains found nearby. The results have pushed back the construction phases of several ritual enclosures by nearly 800 years, providing a more accurate timeline for the emergence of complex social organization in the Levant.
The study demonstrates that this technique can achieve decadal-level precision, solving long-standing disputes regarding the sequence of architectural development in the region. By measuring the accumulation of chlorine isotopes within the crystalline structure of the limestone, researchers have mapped the growth of these prehistoric sites with staggering detail. This technological breakthrough is expected to be applied to other ancient civilizations where traditional carbon dating is often limited by a lack of well-preserved organic material.