be dated back to

[jasonlulu_2000]

In my textbook I came across the following sentence:

All the objects are from the same excavation site and can be dated back to between 3,000 and 5,000 years ago.

Shouldn't "be dated back to" be "date back to" instead?

Can this phrase be used in passive voice?

Thank you for your help!

Jason

 

[Raymott]

In my textbook I came across the following sentence:

All the objects are from the same excavation site and can be dated back to between 3,000 and 5,000 years ago.

Shouldn't "be dated back to" be "date back to" instead?
Not necessarily.
Can this phrase be used in passive voice?
Yes.

Thank you for your help!

Jason

If a rock dates back 3000 years, scientists have dated it back that far.
"To date" a rock means to work out its age. A lot of materials can be dated.