The absolute chronology of Late Helladic III A2 revisited

Abstract

Recent dendrological and dendro/radiocarbon research has raised questions concerning dates previously proposed for the end of LH III A2 and the transition to LH III B. Moreover, further examination of the Mycenaean and Levanto-Mycenaean pottery from Kamid el-Loz in Syria has added relevant information, as has examination of the material from the Uluburun shipwreck and the Miletus excavation. Analysis suggests that the transition from LH III A1 to III A2 pottery takes place between 1390 and 1375 BC; the transition from LH III A2 to III B1 begins around 1330 BC at the earliest and ends around 1290 BC at the latest, with the main transition in many areas occurring no earlier than 1315–1305 BC.