Luminescence dating of brick stupas: an application to the hinterland of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

Luminescence dating reveals distinct construction phases in brick stupas, offering new insights into the architectural biographies of religious monuments. This groundbreaking approach uses optically stimulated luminescence to date brick fabric, distinguishing between original and recycled materials, which provides a more accurate timeline for economic and political changes. The study, conducted in the hinterland of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, demonstrates that while brick replacement and embellishment complicate absolute dating, it effectively identifies different building episodes. This method enhances our understanding of stupa evolution and their societal significance.

Bailiff, I. K., Lacey, H. R., Coningham, R. A. E., Gunawardhana, P., Adikari, G., Davis, C. E., Manuel, M. J., & Strickland, K. M. (2013). Luminescence dating of brick stupas: an application to the hinterland of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. Antiquity, 87(335), 189–201. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0003598x00048717