Occupation dynamics north of the Carpathians and Sudetes during the Weichselian (MIS5d-3): The Lower Silesia (SW Poland) case study

Abstract

This study provides new data about the chronological framework, as well as revising the occupational model of the Neanderthals in areas north of the Carpathians and Sudetes during MIS 5 and MIS 3. According to the current numerical dating from key sites in Central Europe, the settlement hiatus between MIS 5a and the time of occurrence of transitional industries (∼45-40 ka) postulated in earlier publications should be dismissed. With the exception of MIS 4 (74-59 ka), Neanderthals exploited this area, before the appearance of transitional industries. The estimation of mean annual temperatures (MAT) based on the stable oxygen isotope composition of animal bones enabled understanding of climatic as well as the environmental factors governing this process. Neanderthals were especially active in this part of Central Europe during the warmer events of the Weichselian. They mainly inhabited scattered patches rich in food sources and used diverse strategies of blank and tool production (formal and expedient ones). Analysis of technological and functional parameters of flint artefacts showed that similar strategies were used by archaic humans exploiting both Central and Western Europe. In the light of microscopic studies of flint artefacts, it seems that tools were of multipurpose use, and some of them were hafted. Central Europe shows evidence of punctuated habitation which resulted from gradual and natural expanding of the settlement ecumene during the periods of hospitable climatic conditions. At present, there is no evidence that the level of mobility was higher than in other parts of Europe. The conclusions are based on regional data from the analysis of a series of archaeological and geological sites, combined with comprehensive studies of the Hallera Av. Site, Wrocław, Poland. The Hallera Av. site is one of the best open-air sites in Central Europe, with an exploration area covering >800 m2. The multi-seasonal excavation resulted in the discovery of numerous stone artefacts and faunal remains. The conclusions are based on dating, geological, sedimentological studies, spatial analysis, and site formation processes combined with detailed multidisciplinary studies of artefacts and faunal remains.