Obtaining archaeointensity data from British Neolithic pottery: A feasibility study

A groundbreaking feasibility study successfully extracted archaeointensity data from Neolithic Grooved Ware pottery at the Ness of Brodgar, Orkney, marking the first such measurements for the UK. Three reliable archaeointensity values (35–40 μT) were obtained using the thermal Thellier method, aligning with regional geomagnetic models and limited existing data. The study categorized results into four types to assess factors influencing successful data extraction, demonstrating the potential of ceramics as a source for archaeointensity dating in Britain. This breakthrough enhances our understanding of geomagnetic secular variation during the Neolithic period, addressing a critical gap in UK archaeological research.

Allington, M. L., Batt, C. M., Hill, M. J., Nilsson, A., Biggin, A. J., & Card, N. (2021). Obtaining archaeointensity data from British Neolithic pottery: A feasibility study. Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 37, 102895. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jasrep.2021.102895