The remains of 23 of what were thought to be the earliest chickens found in western Eurasia and north-west Africa were subjected to radiocarbon dating. Dr Julia Best, from Cardiff University, said, “This is the first time that radiocarbon dating has been used on this scale to determine the significance of chickens in early societies. Our results demonstrate the need to directly date proposed early specimens, as this allows us the clearest picture yet of our early interactions with chickens.” The oldest bones of a known domestic chicken were from Ban Non Wat, dating to between 1650BC and 1250BC. Bronze Age The discovery of remarkably wealthy early Bronze Age burials illustrates profound cultural changes with the advent of copper base metallurgy. The Bronze Age at Ban Non Wat has been divided into five phases. Phase 1 occurred from 1050 to 1000 BC and consists of seven burials. Shell bracelets and necklaces as well as a copper based axe are examples of some grave goods found in Phase 1 burials. There is a dramatic increase in the amount grave goods found in burials compared to the Neolithic as personal ornamentation became a more common practice. Wrapping bodies and placing them in wooden coffins was a common practice in the Bronze Age, however there is more variability in burial contexts in the late Bronze and early Iron Ages. Phase 2 occurred from 1000 to 850 BC. Phase 2 burials display more wealth in their grave goods. Copper-based axes, anklets, rings, as well as shell bead necklaces, belts, and earrings are some examples of grave goods found at Phase 2 burials. Phase 2 contained a wider variety of grave goods when compared to other mortuary phases. Phase 3 occurred from 850 to 800 BC. Phase 3 burials continue the practice of wealthy burials with many grave goods and contain many of the same items from Phase 1 and 2 burials. Phase 3 burials are unique because they are facing the North-East or South-West whereas other Bronze Age burials at Ban Non Wat are mostly buried facing the North or South. Phase 3 is the last phase with wealthy burials. Phase 4 occurred from 800 to 700 BC. There are 162 burials found in Ban Non Wat dating to Phase 4. It is at this time that the people of Ban Non Wat are being buried into specific groupings however there is no data