Abstract
Paleoenvironmental and climatic reconstructions are reported for latest Pleistocene (Paleolithic) contexts from the Swabian Jura of southwestern Germany. In particular, we focus on the late glacial interval, ~18,000 to 11,600 cal yr BP, using faunal remains from Langmahdhalde, a recently excavated Late Magdalenian site in the Lone Valley. We use two different proxies for reconstruction: (1) stable isotope analysis (δ13C and δ15N) of bone collagen from reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) and horse (Equus ferus) and (2) the application of a bioclimatic model to the micromammal assemblage from the site. We use these results to discuss the environmental context of Magdalenian hunter-gatherers in the Lone Valley and argue that, although they generally lived in tundra environments, their landscape was heterogeneous and likely had pockets of trees and/or denser vegetation. Our study documents warmer winter temperatures, increased precipitation, and longer vegetative activity periods than those of modern tundra environments.
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