ATR-FTIR pre-screening analyses for determining radiocarbon datable bone samples from the Kings’ Valley, Egypt

The tomb KV 40 in the Kings' Valley (Luxor, Egypt) has revealed mummified and highly fragmented remains of 83 adults, children, new-borns and infants, some of whom were, according to inscriptions, 18th dynasty king's sons or daughters (∼1370 BCE). This tomb was then secondarily reused by priestly families during the 22nd to early 25th dynasty (∼900-700 BCE). Radiocarbon dating of such bone remains would allow the evaluation of the ratio of burials by period and the identification of those from the 18th dynasty...