Speaking as a non-archaeologist, I find the concept of dates, even non
precise ones or date ranges, much more meaningful than periods. This view
has been reinforced by following the debate about how uncertain the concept
of periods can be.
Two additional points:
1 To follow up the analogy with geological practice, the use of period
terms in geology arose because at the time they were defined there was no
possibility of an absolute chronology, only a relative one based on the
contents and character of the different strata. Now that an absolute
chronology is possible (with margins of error), it is much more common for
geologists to use date ranges rather than periods.
2 Is it relevant to think about who the terms we are discussing are
intend to be used by? If by fellow professionals, it is perfectly possible
to hedge them around with definitions and caveats, but if by members of the
general public, something is required which will be intuitively understood,
in which case dates (perhaps qualified as suggested with a period terms to
define the cultural context) must be a strong candidate.
Gillian Sheldrick.
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