Revisiting Quanterness: new AMS dates and stable isotope data from an Orcadian chamber tomb

New radiocarbon dating and stable isotope analysis of the Neolithic chamber tomb at Quanterness, Orkney, reveals that burial activity likely spanned from 3510 to 2790 cal BC, with a peak period between 3450 and 2850–2790 cal BC. This tighter chronological framework challenges previous assumptions about the site's stratigraphy, indicating extensive mixing of deposits. Osteological evidence suggests that the human remains were not subjected to excarnation or significant sub-aerial weathering, implying local burial practices rather than secondary deposition from elsewhere. Stable isotope data (δ13C: –20.5 ± 0.4‰; δ15N: 11.1 ± 0.6‰) indicate minimal marine protein consumption despite the site's coastal proximity, with potential diachronic trends hinting at evolving farming practices. These findings contextualize Quanterness within Middle/Late Neolithic Orkney, supporting theories on the emergence of Grooved Ware pottery and the origin of Maes Howe-type passage tombs.

Schulting, R., Sheridan, A., Crozier, R., & Murphy, E. (2011). Revisiting Quanterness: new AMS dates and stable isotope data from an Orcadian chamber tomb. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, 140, 1–50. https://doi.org/10.9750/psas.140.1.50