Why is dendrochronology important in archaeology?

Dendrochronology is an invaluable tool to help scientists determine the age of ancient settlements and artifacts. Archaeologists have a group of unlikely allies: trees. Dendrochronology, the scientific method of studying tree rings, can pinpoint the age of archaeological sites using information stored inside old wood.

How is dendrochronology used?

Dendrochronology is useful for determining the precise age of samples, especially those that are too recent for radiocarbon dating, which always produces a range rather than an exact date. It is also used as a check in radiocarbon dating to calibrate radiocarbon ages.