Radiocarbon dating in South America and the impact of the continent's first 14C-AMS facility to archaeological research

Abstract

Due to the lack of formal historical records, the pre-Columbian history of the American continent is often referred to as prehistory. The large population decline following the arrival of Europeans, mainly due to the extinction of several cultural groups, combined with the lack of written records, means that researchers may often have to rely primarily on archaeological evidence. For this reason, the radiocarbon dating technique has been crucial for deciphering America's pre-Columbian history. Technical advances impacted the accessibility of radiocarbon dating, but the influence of in-house facilities cannot be overlooked. This short review explores the evolution of radiocarbon dating in Brazil, where Latin America's first ¹⁴C-AMS facility, LAC-UFF, emerged, fostering collaborations within South America and overseas. Besides facilitating analyses and reducing costs, the LAC-UFF has empowered a new generation of radiocarbon researchers and aided archaeologists through workshops, summer schools, and training programs. Some recent case studies are discussed as examples of the diversity of applications developed by the LAC-UFF group. Sustained public investment in cutting-edge technology and interdisciplinary research is a key factor in ensuring a bright future for radiocarbon dating in South America, strengthened by international collaborations.