Archaeology Term: B.P.
B.P., an abbreviation for 'Before Present,' is a chronological system used to denote time periods prior to a specific reference point, typically defined as the year 1950.
This system is commonly employed in archaeology, geology, and other scientific fields to express the age of materials and events. By using B.P., researchers can avoid the religious connotations associated with the traditional B.C. (Before Christ) and A.D. (Anno Domini) system.
When interpreting dates expressed in B.P., it is important to remember that the reference point is 1950. For example, a date of 10,000 B.P. indicates an event that occurred 10,000 years before 1950, which corresponds to approximately 11,950 years ago.
B.P. is often used in conjunction with radiocarbon dating, a technique that measures the decay of carbon-14 in organic materials to estimate their age. By calibrating radiocarbon dates with other dating methods, researchers can obtain more precise estimates of the age of artifacts and archaeological sites.
The use of B.P. provides a more precise and objective way to express time, particularly in scientific contexts. By eliminating the religious references associated with B.C. and A.D., B.P. allows for a more inclusive and universally applicable system of chronological notation.
