Blind dates: Exploring uncertainty in the radiocarbon evidence on the emergence of animal husbandry in the Dutch wetlands

The emergence of animal husbandry in the Netherlands remains subject much speculation. Challenges identifying domesticated animals among faunal remains, inconsistent excavation documentation, and flawed radiocarbon analysis have resulted questionable chronologies. This paper examines available evidence from selected sites which are mainstay early examples Netherlands, between 5000 4000 BCE.1 We approach legacy data two ways: by employing principles chronometric hygiene to reassess datasets exploring use such for future studies chronology means Bayesian chronological modelling. latter is demonstrated with a case study, whereby we employ Hardinxveld-Giessendam De Bruin models demonstrate that, despite their shortcomings, dates remain valuable resource needed analysis.