Debates over Palaeolithic chronology - the reliability of 14C is confirmed

► Chronology crucial for MUP transition period (45-35 ka BP). ► Radiocarbon dating before 30,000 BP was considered flawed and calibration not possible. ► We demonstrate that previous problems of 14C calibration datasets are resolved. ► Putative large atmospheric 14C fluctuations are shown to be physically impossible. ► IntCal09 dataset allows accurate calibration and chronology back to 50,000 BP.