What does the term "terminus post quen" refer to in archaeology?

The term "terminus post quem" is an important concept in archaeology, referring to the earliest possible date after which an artifact or feature could have been deposited. This term translates from Latin to "limit after which." It is used to establish a chronological frame for archaeological findings. When an artifact is dated using this concept, it helps archaeologists understand that the artifact must have been placed in that context after a certain date, allowing for chronological placement within a historical timeline.

This is crucial for constructing timelines of human activity and for coordinating findings across different sites. For example, if an artifact is found with a coin that was minted in 1800, this coin would set a terminus post quem for the associated artifacts, indicating they must have been deposited after that date. Understanding this framework is vital for accurately interpreting the historical significance of archaeological sites and their artifacts.