Middle Palaeolithic Industries Research Articles

Small Blade and Bladelet Production in Central Asia at the Turn of MIS 7 and 6: Cores from Kulbulak Layer 23

We describe 27 parallel, narrow-faced, and burin-cores for small blades and bladelets from Kulbulak layer 23, Western Tien Shan, excavated in 2016 and 2017. In terms of typology, flat-faced (longitudinal and transverse), prismatic (carinated, subconical, and subcylindrical), and narrow-faced cores (including burin[1]cores) were identified. Scar pattern analysis suggests that regardless of the typological affiliation of cores, a uniform technological scheme was used—staggered sequence of blanks. This Middle Paleolithic non-prismatic pattern probably indicates the initial steps in the formation of a technology that would subsequently influence the Middle Paleolithic blade industries in western Central Asia and become one of the sources for the regional Upper Paleolithic in the second half of MIS 3. It is concluded that small blade technology emerged within Middle Paleolithic industries of western Central Asia at the turn of MIS 7 and 6. In the Obi-Rakhmat industry (MIS 5a), this technology is represented in its fully developed form.

A Bayesian luminescence chronology for the Bawa Yawan Rock Shelter at the Central Zagros Mountains (Western Iran)

Bawa Yawan Rock Shelter is one of the critical Palaeolithic sites discovered recently in the Central Zagros in Western Iran. The site exhibits a rich assemblage from the Middle Palaeolithic (Zagros Mousterian) to the Epipalaeolithic, and it discloses one Neanderthal canine tooth. The site stands out as one of the handfuls of Palaeolithic sites in the Central Zagros that contain human remains. Therefore, establishing a reliable chronology revealing the temporal period in which Neanderthals inhabited the region plays a significant role in our understanding of the human past in the region. We employed luminescence dating in combination with Bayesian modelling to improve the precision of the estimated ages. Our results indicate that the Middle Palaeolithic assemblages unearthed from geological layers GH3 to GH5 in the site fall in the [58–80] ka time frame (68% credible interval). More importantly, the Bayesian age for the layer containing the Neanderthal remains exhibited [65–71] ka (68%). This age contradicts the previous 14C-based chronology. We argue that it is likely that the 14C dates underestimate the timing of the Middle Palaeolithic industries at Bawa Yawan.Furthermore, our study reveals the first luminescence age for the Epipalaeolithic in the Central Zagros, which is dated to [13–15] ka (68%).

Gazma Cave—A Final Middle Paleolithic Site in Azerbaijan: Paleogeography, Chronology, Archaeology

This article describes the Middle Paleolithic industry of Gazma Cave in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan. We present data on the stratigraphy, paleontology, chronology, and archaeology of the site. Six lithological layers were identifi ed, three of which (IV–VI) contain abundant archaeological material. The chronology of the site is based on a series of luminescence ages. The deposition of layers IV–VI formed ~55–40 ka BP. Paleontological, pollen, and grain size analysis offer the possibility of reconstructing Late Pleistocene environments around the cave. Faunal analysis indicates steppe, semi-steppe, and wooded mountains, with riparian forests and reeded areas in the fl oodlands. The analysis of 896 artifacts attests to the predominance of Levallois and parallel reduction. The share of Levallois blanks is high. The most common artifacts are Levallois and Mousterian points and side-scrapers; there are also limaces, knives, and a few indistinct Upper Paleolithic types such as end-scrapers and borers. Ventral basal trimming of points and ventral or dorsal thinning of side-scrapers were widely used. All the main indicators show the Gazma industry corresponds to the fi nal Middle Paleolithic assemblages currently known in the Southeastern Caucasus.Gazma is an expressive MIS 3 example of the Taglar industry.

Nikolaevo-Otradnoye II—A New Early and Middle Paleolithic Site in the Northeastern Azov Region

We describe materials from a new Paleolithic site, discovered in 2020 on the right bank of Mius estuary, near its confl uence with the Taganrog Bay of the Sea of Azov, in the southern outskirts of the village of Nikolaevo-Otradnoye, which is in the Neklinovksky District of the Rostov Region. The clearing of a 10-meter-high river-bluff revealed a complex stratigraphy of subaqueous and subaerial Late and Middle Pleistocene rocks. Horizons with lithics and faunal remains were identifi ed. Cultural remains found in the coastal exposure and in the stratigraphic section belong to the Early and Middle Paleolithic. The early stage in the peopling of the Northeastern Azov and the Lower Don regions is documented by Early Paleolithic artifacts found in the subaqueous deposits of layers 5 and 6 (MIS 9–11, ~420– 270 ka BP). Heavil y waterworn patinated lithics include a core-shaped artifact, variou s types of side-scrapers, a scaled piece, fl akes, and chips. This complex is an informative addition to known complexes from the region, including contemporaneous ones. The most interesting is the Middle Paleolithic industry of layer 4 under the Kamenka (?) soil— layer 3, MIS 7. The toolkit consists of a diagonal side-scraper and a chip found in the section, as well as radial and Levallois cores, various side-scrapers, a par tly bifacial tool, spalls , and chips found in the denudation. Technological and typological criteria (primarily the Levallois technology) and the tentative date of non-waterworn patinated lithics make it possible to attribute them to the Early Middle Paleolithic of the southern Russian Plain. It is concluded that cultural remains of the Early Middle Paleolithic, dating to ~243–191 ka BP, have been found in the region for the fi rst time, fi lling the gap in the local Early Middle Paleolithic sequence. In adjacent regions, similar industries have been known since the late 1900s.

Agia: An Open-Air Middle Paleolithic Site in Northwestern Greece

The pause in scientific research in the prehistory of Corfu and adjacent areas in Epirus between the years 1969-1990 prompted exploratory field research to locate and record open-air Paleolithic sites threatened by destruction due to residential, commercial, and industrial development. Of the sites discovered and put on record, this paper focuses on Agia (or Ayia), a hitherto unknown Middle Paleolithic site, and examines its position as a probable “kill and butchering” site in the Kokkytos river area. The typological analysis of the lithic assemblage shows an advanced Middle Paleolithic industry of Mousterian and, predominantly, Levalloiso-Mousterian types of Levalloisian tradition with elements of Eastern Mousterian affinities. The paper discusses the diffusion of technology in the coastal areas of Epirus and the island of Corfu and notes the gradual decrease of pure Mousterian technology in favor of Levalloiso-Mousterian as one moves westwards. The paper points to specific candidate sites in the vicinity of Agia and recommends further research.

The Middle Paleolithic of Tsagaan Agui Cave in the Gobi Altai region of Mongolia and its Siberian and Central Asian links

Stratified Middle Paleolithic industries in Mongolia are mostly known from final Middle Paleolithic complexes in the Orkhon and Kharganyn Gol valleys in the north-central part of the country, while Middle Paleolithic sites in the Gobi Desert have not attracted as much attention. Re-analysis of archaeological collections made during excavations of Tsagaan Agui Cave in 1987–1989 have made it possible to define transitional specific tool types as well as the systems of primary flaking employed through different lithic complexes. Recent excavations of Tsagaan Agui in 2021 and 2022 place the lithic complexes first identified there in the 1980s into a more refined chronological sequence. Preliminary technological and typological analyses reveal the non-Levallois Mousterian character of the Middle Paleolithic industry at Tsagaan Agui Cave. Here, we attempt to identify analogs of this industry in Siberia and eastern Asia.

Lincombian-Ranisian-Jerzmanowician Industry and South Moravian Sites: a Homo sapiens Late Initial Upper Paleolithic with Bohunician Industrial Generic Roots in Europe.

This article re-examines the Lincombian-Ranisian-Jerzmanowician (LRJ) industry, a well-known Early Upper Paleolithic complex in northern Europe. It is widely thought that the LRJ was produced by late Neanderthals and that its industrial roots are in late Middle Paleolithic industries with bifacial leaf points in north-western Europe. On the basis of evidence from four recently excavated open-air sites in southern Moravia (Czech Republic) (Líšeň/Podolí I, Želešice III/Želešice-Hoynerhügel, Líšeň I/Líšeň-Čtvrtě, and Tvarožná X/Tvarožná, "Za školou"), combined with findings from two cave sites in Bohemia (Nad Kačákem Cave) and southern Moravia (Pekárna Cave) and critical re-examination of the LRJ sites and materials from other areas, we propose that the LRJ should actually be considered a late Initial Upper Paleolithic industry. Its initial dates are just before Heinrich Event 4 (HE-4) and the Campanian Ignimbrite (CI) super-eruption, c. 42-40kacal BP. We further propose that LRJ assemblages were produced by Homo sapiens, and that its roots are in the Bohunician industry. The LRJ originated as a result of a gradual technological transition, centering on the development of Levallois points into Jerzmanowice-type blade-points. It is also suggested that the LRJ industry first appeared in Moravia, in central Europe, and spread along with its makers (Homo sapiens) across the northern latitudes of central and western Europe. Accordingly, the IUP "Bohunician package" did not disappear in Europe but gave rise to another IUP industry successfully adapted for the then steppe-tundra belts in northern Europe.

Костяные изделия со стоянки среднего палеолита Рожок I (культурный горизонт VI) в Северо-Восточном Приазовье

The multilayer site of Rozhok I is a reference object for the study of the Middle Palaeolithic in the south of the Russian Plain. The well-preserved cultural remains lying in a thick bed of loess-soil sediments may shed light on a number of questions regarding the chronology and cultural affinities of the regional Middle Palaeolithic industries, as well as the economic activity of their makers and the character of manufacturing technologies used to produce stone and bone tools. Of special interest is a series of bone artifacts identified among faunal remains from cultural horizon VI. These include both lightly and heavily modified objects, some of which appear to have been associated with symbolic behavior. The paper presents the results of an in-depth technological analysis of these artifacts.

Undo Caves Multi-staged Karstic System and Temporary Camp of the Neanderthal Hunters

In Georgia, a strong foundation for scientific study of this period was developed in 1930-ies. Since then more than 500 Paleolithic sites were identified The frequency of paleolithic sites on the territory of Georgia was determined by geographic position of Georgia itself, as it is situated at the crossroads of Africa, Asia and Europe According to some archaeologists the archaeological evidence demonstrates the different local-cultural groups. Despite the small territory we have at least 5 local-cultural versions in the Middle Palaeolithic singled out with us four out of which are represented in the Rioni-Kvirila basin (Fig ). Most quantity of levallois industries were recovered in Imereti region (Western Georgia). 1. Drouchula,-Kudaro Local-cultural group.Mousterian assemblages characterized by blades and elongated points, as recovered in Drouchula, Tsona,Kudaro and other sites, resemble the “Tabun D-type” and Hummallian entities in the Levant.Unfortunatly, we have not the dates from this sites, but we assume that they are younger than Levantian “Tabun-D type”; at the same time, this industry has some similarities with the Northern-Caucasus Miqoqian industries , as well. 2. Tsutskhvati caves Local-cultural group. Multi-stage cave system characterized by the industry which resemble the Zagros region, but there are some differences-the non-Levalloias industry of Tsutskhvati is denticulated; 3. Tskaltsitela local-cultural group- Levalloiasian, denticulated industry (by M.Nioradze); 4. Tsopi Local-cultural.The industry of Tsopi site differs from above mentioned sites by the high quantity of the tools of Quina and Demi-Quina type; 5. Tskhinvali local-cultural group (according to v. Lubin)-Levalois, Unretouched industry. Another type of industry is represented I Ortvala Klde, Djieti open-air site etc.- Mousterian assemblages such as in Ortvala Klde demonstrates similarities with the Middle Paleolithic industries of Anatolia, the Zagros region-recurrent Levallois big number of the convergent tools. Most of the local-cultural groups and the sites are discovered in Western Georgia (Imereti Region) A first evidence of the Middle Paleolithic hunters temporary camp which, possibly has been used as place for some kind of rituals and where is represented a first evidence of the cave rock-art in Georgia has been determined in Rion-Kvirila basin as well. This is a cave-site named “Undo Cave”. Recently, we discovered some other cave-sites near Undo Cave. This fact gave a reason to consider Undo Cave as a one of the caves of Multi-staged cave system which doesn’t belong to any above mentioned groups.

The spatial patterning of Middle Palaeolithic human settlement in westernmost Iberia

ABSTRACTCurrently available data on the Pleistocene human occupation of the westernmost territories of Iberia attest to the presence of Middle Palaeolithic industries from c. 240 ka cal bp until c. 37 ka cal bp. Previous studies focusing on this time frame have suggested that Middle Palaeolithic populations were highly mobile and predominately utilised locally available raw materials, with many cave and open‐air sites being located near fluvial settings. Other than these observations, no specific studies have focused on exploring the factors influencing human site location choice during that time range. Employing statistical and GIS approaches, this paper provides an initial assessment of spatial patterning in human settlement during the Middle Palaeolithic of westernmost Iberia. Results show that site locations are biased towards lower elevations and riverine settings and suggest that distance to rivers might have impacted the diversity and specific types of lithic raw materials used at each site. These results help to shed light on the particularities of Neanderthal adaptations in a region regarded as a refugium during periods of unfavourable climate during the Middle Palaeolithic.

Ранний этап среднего палеолита Северо-Восточного Кавказа (по материалам стоянки Дарвагчай-Залив-1)

This study analyzes the lithic assemblages from the Middle Paleolithic site Darvagchay-Zaliv-1, which are highly relevant for understanding this stage in Northeastern Caucasus. Paleoclimatic conditions prevailing during sedimentation at this site are described. The lithic objects discovered have been compared with industries from the synchronous sites of Dagestan and Caucasus. The artifacts were found in minimally disturbed paleosol (layer 3); they represent the typical Middle Paleolithic toolkit, and Levallois technique of primary reduction. Judging by the presence of fire pits without additional structures and scattering of finds over a large area, these sites reveal multiple short-term stays. The dates of the sites, obtained using paleomagnetic and OSL methods correspond to the Riss-Wurm (Eemian, Mikulino) interstadial (MIS 5e) of ca. 100-120 ka BP. Whereas no direct parallels with any Caucasian Middle Paleolithic industries can be found, the industries from Darvagchay-Zaliv-1 are consistent with the general evolutionary path of the Paleolithic in the Caucasus.

Early Middle Paleolithic Industries in Southeastern Dagestan

This study addresses lithic assemblages from the Middle Paleolithic sites Darvagchay-Zaliv-1 and Darvagchay-Zaliv-4, which are highly relevant to the understanding of this stage in Dagestan. We examine paleoclimatic conditions prevailing during the sedimentation at these sites. A detailed description of lithics is provided. Artifacts were discovered in a minimally disturbed paleosol. They represent the Middle Paleolithic, specifi cally Levallois technique of primary reduction. Judging by the presence of unlined fi re-pits and the fact that fi nds are scattered over a large area, we infer that these sites evidence multiple short-term occupation. The dates of the sites fall within the Riss-Wurm (Eemian, Mikulino) interstadial (MIS 5e)—ca 125-110 ka BP. Parallels with coeval sites in Dagestan and elsewhere in the Caucasus are discussed. Whereas no direct parallels with any Caucasian Middle Paleolithic industries can be found, those of Darvagchay-Zaliv-1 and Darvagchay-Zaliv-4 are consistent with the general evolutionary trajectory of the Caucasian Paleolithic.

Noisy beginnings: The Initial Upper Palaeolithic in Southwest Asia

The emergence of the Upper Palaeolithic in Southwest Asia is considered a unique phenomenon in relation to other parts of the Old World. Besides the local circumstances that are particular to each region, this is the only region outside Africa with the clear presence of modern humans producing Middle Palaeolithic industries. Still, it seems that also here, as elsewhere outside Africa, the UP is conceived mostly as portraying a break with MP life-ways, and continuity, if indicated, is on a rather modest scale.While the geographical extent of the Levant (i.e. the eastern Mediterranean, from the Taurus Zagros mountains in the north, to southern Sinai and from the coast eastwards of the Rift valley into the Saudi Arabian deserts) is relatively small, at least four or five variants of Initial Upper Palaeolithic lithic industries have been identified/defined, based on techno-typological criteria, geographical constraints and differing chronologies, as demonstrated at Boqer Tachtit, Tor Sadaf, Ksar Akil, Umm el-Tlel, and Ucagizli.Besides the usual obstacles archaeologists face in trying to identify and define relationships between various archaeological assemblages in time and space, prehistoric research of the Levant, like other regions, suffers from its Eurocentric past and international present, whereby research reflects the different ‘weltanschauung’ and paradigms of the scholars currently conducting it.We shall attempt to present a coherent picture of the present state of affairs, as well as our own understanding of the Levantine IUP, based on the locally available data within the wider context of current prehistoric research.

Каменные индустрии раннего этапа среднего палеолита Юго-Восточного Дагестана

Приводятся результаты исследований среднепалеолитических комплексов памятников Дарвагчай-Залив-1 и Дарваг-чай-Залив-4, очень важных для понимания данного этапа палеолита Дагестана. В работе рассматривается палеоклиматическая обстановка в период накопления вскрытых отложений стоянок. Центральное место отведено описанию и анализу коллекций каменных артефактов. Отмечено, что археологические материалы залегали в слое палеопочвы, они претерпели минимальные пространственные перемещения в постседиментационный период. Каменный инвентарь представляет леваллуазскую технику расщепления. Орудийный набор типичен для среднего палеолита. С учетом наличия кострищ без следов конструкций и рассредоточенности археологического материала на обширной территории сделан вывод о многократном кратковременном посещении древним человеком стоянок. Время их существования на данной территории соответствует периодурисс-вюрмского (эемского, микулинского) межледниковья — 125-110 тыс. л.н. (MIS 5е). Большое внимание уделяется сопоставлению коллекций обсуждаемых объектов и близких по возрасту памятников Дагестана и Кавказа. На основе анализа всех имеющихся данных сделан вывод о том, что в настоящее время среди материалов среднепалеолитических памятников на Кавказе невозможно выявить прямые аналоги индустрий исследуемых стоянок. Вместе с тем археологические материалы стоянок Дарвагчай-Залив-1 и -4 соответствуют общему направлению развития палеолита Кавказа.

Palaeolithic Hafting in Himachal Sub-Himalaya

Hafting has brought a landmark change in technology and behavior of the Palaeolithic man heralding evolution of anatomical modernity and behavior. The author recently discovered large assemblages of Late Acheulian to Middle Palaeolithic industries from the Quaternary fans of the Sub-Himalayan piedmont area of Ghumarwin Sir Khad valley of Himachal Pradesh. He identified 20 typological categories in a collection of 450 stone implements, which include several new tool types, so far unknown in other Indian sites. There is a remarkable occurrence of 111 hafted implements; almost one in four is the hafted tools (24.67%). They include large-sized axes/adzes, spears, sickles, shovels, picks, chopping tools, etc. among the frequent types, noticed for the first time in north-western Sub-Himalaya of India. The diversified hafting in the region suggests diverse activities of the prehistoric man, like intense wood cutting/wood work, large game hunting, butchering, and some warfare as well. In addition, soil processing for primeval farming is also indicated.

Mustjerska industrija špilje Veternice

Špilja Veternica nalazište je srednjega paleolitika na jugozapadnome dijelu planine Medvednice u Hrvatskoj. Nalazište je od 1951. do 1955. i 1971. godine istraživano i u njemu su prikupljene stotine kamenih izrađevina mustjerske kulture. Ovaj rad donosi litičku analizu tih izrađevina i, usprkos pomiješanim nalazima iz više slojeva, važne podatke o tehnologiji, tipologiji i korištenju sirovina. Na temelju dobivenih rezultata i usporedbe s drugim nalazištima u susjednim prostorima, srednjopaleolitička industrija Veternica smještena je u kronološki i kulturni okvir.

Новые данные по каменным индустриям среднего и верхнего палеолита из южной галереи Денисовой пещеры

Новые данные по каменным индустриям среднего и верхнего палеолита из южной галереи Денисовой пещеры

Индустрии финального этапа среднего палеолита Юго-Восточного Дагестана

Статья посвящена результатам исследований среднепалеолитического комплекса Дарвагчай-ского геоархеологического района, материалы которого дополняют фактический материал данного культурно-хронологического диапазона на территории Северо-Восточного Кавказа. Каменный инвентарь характеризуется леваллуазской техникой расщепления и типичным среднепалеолитическим орудийным набором. Преобладают изделия средних размеров, артефакты выполнены из однообразного сырья, имеют одинаковую степень сохранности поверхности и изготовлены в единой технической традиции. Особенности технико-типологического облика каменной индустрии с ярко выраженными леваллуазскими чертами позволяют говорить о специфическом облике палеолита Приморского Дагестана. Данные исследования финального этапа среднего палеолита позволяют приблизиться к решению проблемы появления и развития человека современного физического типа. Это позволяет не только реконструировать культурно-исторический процесс на данной территории в плейстоцене, но и решить проблемы, касающиеся содержания и корректировки границ культурно-хронологических эпох палеолита Кавказа и Арало-Каспийского бассейна в целом.

As indústrias do Paleolítico Inferior e Médio associadas ao Terraço T4 do Baixo Tejo (Portugal central); Arquivos da mais antiga ocupação humana no oeste da Ibéria, com ca. 340 ka a 155 ka

Através dos registos geomorfológicos e sedimentares, os rios fornecem relevantes arquivos de mudanças paleoambientais, nomeadamente paleoclimáticas e paleogeográficas. As sucessões sedimentares melhor datadas são as mais importantes, com as idades numéricas dos respetivos dos eventos sedimentares, de fósseis e de materiais arqueológicos, obtidas por uma variedade de técnicas. Os arquivos fluviais do Quaternário fornecidos pelo rio Tejo em Portugal (Baixo Tejo) constituem um importante repositório de dados para estudos da evolução da dinâmica sedimentar e da paisagem, bem como da ocupação humana pré-histórica. O atual estado de conhecimentos resultantes das sucessivas abordagens usando métodos da geomorfologia, litostratigrafia, arqueologia e datação numérica no estudo do Terraço T4 do Baixo Tejo é aqui sintetizado. Este trabalho tem enfoque nos sítios com indústrias do Paleolítico que foram encontradas no Terraço T4, o qual é constituído por uma unidade basal de cascalheiras e uma unidade superior dominada por areias. Os mais antigos artefactos são de rara ocorrência e foram encontrados na unidade de Cascalheiras Inferiores, apresentando formas bifaciais pouco elaboradas que podem ser atribuídas ao Acheulense, com uma idade provável de ca. 340 a 325 ka. Em contraste, os níveis estratigráficos inferiores e médios da unidade de Areias Superiores do T4 apresenta vários sítios arqueológicos que documentam fases sucessivas de um Acheulense evoluído, que foram datados de ca. 325 a 200 ka. Nos níveis estratigráficos dos depósitos do topo do T4 foram encontradas indústrias do Paleolítico Médio e datam, provavelmente, de ca. 165 a 155 ka.

Gentelles-Le Mont de l’Evangile (département de la Somme, France) : un site de plateau occupé de l’Acheuléen au Micoquien

The palaeolithic site of Gentelles (Somme, France) is situated on a chalky plateau unlike most Lower and Middle Palaeolithic sites of the Somme basin, which are related to fluvial environments (alluvial and slope deposits). The archaeological material of the site excavated at Gentelles on several thousand square meters is recovered from the infilling of a dolina. The archaeological sequence is attributed to Late Middle and Upper Pleistocene (MIS 10 to MIS 5). The assignment of the loess infilling the dolina to MIS 6 is supported by ESR/U-Th dates obtained on teeth and the IRSL age of the sediment. All lithic assemblages include bifacial production and debitage with cores showing one or several surfaces of debitage. There is no evidence of Levallois flaking methods, which are very common in many Middle Palaeolithic industries of Northern France. The first steps of the reducing sequences are not present in most lithic assemblages. Some faunal remains (equids, bovids) have been discovered in the loess deposits. In most cases, the function of the site corresponds to short occupations of hunters moving on the plateau. In contrast, the CLG assemblage (MIS 8) which shows many phases of the reducing sequence suggests longer occupations.