Asia, Southwest: Palaeolithic and Epi-Palaeolithic

Abstract

This entry attempts a diachronic overview of major strands and developments in human behavior across the Palaeolithic and Epipalaeolithic of Southwest Asia. The more than 99% of human prehistory of the region reviewed here documents the originality and complexity of human endeavors, cultural practices and ecosystem relationships in this part of the world. We map the intercalated rhythms of pan-regional change and convergence against local trajectories of continuity and diversification with regard to stone artifact behavior, the management of resources and patterns of economic intensification, changing multispecies assemblages and the evolution of social life—all indicating that emancipation from Eurocentric narratives should be a key concern of future work.