The times they are a-changing. Reconsidering the occupation history and character of a 3rd millennium BCE settlement in the Lower Rhine Area

A re-analysis of soil micromorphology samples and radiocarbon dates was undertaken at the Middle to Late Neolithic settlement of N11, Hazerswoude-Rijndijk, in the Netherlands. The site, located on crevasse deposits of the river Rhine, was previously dated between 3200 and 2500 BCE. Our re-analysis allows us to place the occupation firmly in the 3rd millennium BCE, which holds implications for our understanding of a pivotal transformation process in Northwest European prehistory. At the same time, it presents us a very informative picture of domestic activities including both the remains of combustion next to a dwelling structure, dating to the first phase of occupation, and the dumping of organic waste with varying degrees of intensity throughout the whole habitation period. Finally, we have shown that a combined approach of archaeological soil micromorphology and a critical analysis of radiocarbon dating, can strengthen interpretations of site chronology and characterising socio-cultural processes.