A prehistorian and an Egyptologist examine the divide between Egyptian, Aegean, and European chronologies, with special reference to four recent books. Tree-rings, radiocarbon, volcanic eruptions, and astronomical events all have their gaps and/or discrepancies, but there are signs of reconciliation not too far off. Already it seems that Hallstatt B starts just before 1000 BC and finishes well before 800, with important consequences for Ha C.