There are six radiocarbon dates from the Neolithic site of Basta, two from the laboratory of Groningen and four analysed at Kiel.[1] The dates of both laboratories correspond quite well, and after calibration show two time ranges between 7550 BC and 7050 BC. The two ranges overlap only in the 2-σ.The sum of the older phase extends from 7540 BC to 7350 BC, and the sum of the more recent one is 7180 BC to 7040 BC.[2]The other dates are from the so-called rubble layers or destruction horizons, and most of them are outside the scope of this analysis.
The differentiation of two Neolithic phases according to the radiocarbon data could be supported by the two main building phases (AII, AIII) of the stratigraphy. However, the most recent date (KIA 30846) was taken from a deep layer at 3.50m, whereas three of the KIA-dates of the older phase were sampled at layers between -0.5 m and -0.8 m. Similarly, the younger as well as the older date of Groningen (GrN) both come from the lower layers (Gebel et al. 2006:52; 110; Nissen et al. 1987:81).
Thus it is not yet possible to correlate the two radiocarbon phases with the stratigraphy of the two main architectural phases. It is therefore still an open question whether the site had a continuous occupation or two distinct occupational phases.
[1] I cordially thank Hans Georg K. Gebel for all his support in the SIGN Project and for the unpublished dates of Basta from the Kiel laboratory. The full range of Σ: 7550- 7340 BC (52.1%); 7140-7050 BC (16.1%).
[2] Range of 2-σ: early phase: 7590-7290 BC (93.0%), 7230-7190BC (2.4%); late phase: 7340-7020 BC (95.4%).
