Thermoluminescent dating in its application to archaeology: A review

This paper sets out to describe the fundamentals of thermoluminescent (TL) dating and to explain the principles of operation of the different methods at present in use. The various complicating factors associated with TL dating are discussed, together with the measures which can be taken to recognize and as far as possible to correct them. Those materials from archaeological contexts which are suitable for dating by the TL technique are described and the criteria for the selection of suitable samples, and the methods of obtaining the desired ancilliary information relating to the environment of the site, are discussed.