Dating in archaeology is the process of assigning a chronological value to an event in the past. Philosophers differ on how an event is defined, but for cultural history, it can be taken as a change in some entity: the addition, subtraction, or transformation of parts. Events can be considered at two scales.

What can be dated using the cultural dating technique?

The technique can provide dates for sediments, ceramics, and other materials. Dendochronology, the study of tree rings, can date wooden structures or objects. A variety of other chemistry-based techniques can also be used.