Short-term occupations at high elevation during the Middle Paleolithic at Kalavan 2 (Republic of Armenia)

The Armenian highlands encompasses rugged and environmentally diverse landscapes and is characterized by a mosaic of distinct ecological niches and large temperature gradients. Strong seasonal fluctuations in resource availability along topographic gradients likely prompted Pleistocene hominin groups to adapt by adjusting their mobility strategies. However, the role that elevated landscapes played in hunter-gatherer settlement systems during the Late Pleistocene (Middle Palaeolithic [MP]) remains poorly understood. At 1640 m above sea level, the MP site of Kalavan 2 (Armenia) is ideally positioned for testing hypotheses involving elevation-dependent seasonal mobility and subsistence strategies. Renewed excavations at Kalavan 2 exposed three main occupation horizons and ten additional low densities lithic and faunal assemblages. The results provide a new chronological, stratigraphical, and paleoenvironmental framework for hominin behaviors between ca. 60 to 45 ka. The evidence presented suggests that the stratified occupations at Kalavan 2 locale were repeated ephemerally most likely related to hunting in a high-elevation within the mountainous steppe landscape

New Data from Shovakh Cave and Its Implications for Reconstructing Middle Paleolithic Settlement Patterns in the Amud Drainage, Israel

Abstract: This study presents the geoarchaeological and geochronological aspects of Shovakh Cave and the first comparative context to the nearby Amud Cave (~ 500 m downstream), providing an exceptional opportunity to explore the range of human behaviours within a small geographic area. Sediment samples from two newly excavated areas at the rear and entrance of the cave were analysed using infrared spectroscopy, micromorphology and phytolith analysis and dated through uranium-thorium and luminescence techniques. The rear of the cave shows carnivore activity and low artefact concentrations. It also exhibits a shift in sedimentation from wind-blown deposits to colluviation of terra rossa. Direct dating of the deposits associated with the Middle Palaeolithic (MP) occupation at this area could not be obtained due to the breccia forming at the lower part of the excavation area. However, the later phases of the Middle Palaeolithic occupation at this area gave an age estimate of 45.5 ± 3.7 ka. At the entrance of the cave, there are relatively more residues associated with human use of fire. Post-depositional processes in this area include decalcification of the upper layer, cementation of the lower layer and phosphatisation due to guano decomposition, which indicates that this area was probably roofed. The ages obtained in this area range between 67.5 ± 5.5 to 56.2 ± 5.9 ka, overlapping with the occupation time of Amud cave. The evidence from Shovakh Cave presents lower intensity of occupation compared to Amud, indicating variable modes of site use by humans in the Amud drainage during the Late Middle Palaeolithic

Palaeoenvironmental and chronological context of hominin occupations of the Armenian Highlands during MIS 3:Evidence from Ararat-1 cave

Archaeological and palaeoenvironmental evidence from the Armenian Highlands and wider southern Caucasus region emphasises the significance of Marine Oxygen Isotope Stage 3 (c. 57–29 ka) as a crucial period for understanding hominin behaviours amidst environmental fluctuations. Ararat-1 cave, situated in the Ararat Depression, Republic of Armenia, presents potential for resolving emerging key debates regarding hominin land use adaptations during this interval, due to its well-preserved lithic artefacts and faunal assemblages. We present the first results of combined sedimentological, geochronological (luminescence and radiocarbon), archaeological and palaeoecological (macrofauna, microfauna and microcharcoal) study of the Ararat-1 sequence. We demonstrate sediment accumulation occurred between 52 and 35 ka and was caused by a combination of aeolian activity, cave rockfall and water action. Whilst the upper strata of the Ararat-1 sequence experienced postdepositional disturbance due to faunal and anthropogenic processes, the lower strata remain relatively undisturbed. We suggest that during a stable period within MIS 3, Ararat-1 was inhabited by Middle Palaeolithic hominins amidst a mosaic of semi-arid shrub, grassland, and temperate woodland ecosystems. These hominins utilised local and distant toolstone raw materials, indicating their ability to adapt to diverse ecological and elevation gradients. Through comparison of Ararat-1 with other sequences in the region, we highlight the spatia

Short-term occupations at high elevation during the Middle Paleolithic at Kalavan 2 (Republic of Armenia)

The Armenian highlands encompasses rugged and environmentally diverse landscapes and is characterized by a mosaic of distinct ecological niches and large temperature gradients. Strong seasonal fluctuations in resource availability along topographic gradients likely prompted Pleistocene hominin groups to adapt by adjusting their mobility strategies. However, the role that elevated landscapes played in hunter-gatherer settlement systems during the Late Pleistocene (Middle Palaeolithic [MP]) remains poorly understood. At 1640 m above sea level, the MP site of Kalavan 2 (Armenia) is ideally positioned for testing hypotheses involving elevation-dependent seasonal mobility and subsistence strategies. Renewed excavations at Kalavan 2 exposed three main occupation horizons and ten additional low densities lithic and faunal assemblages. The results provide a new chronological, stratigraphical, and paleoenvironmental framework for hominin behaviors between ca. 60 to 45 ka. The evidence presented suggests that the stratified occupations at Kalavan 2 locale were repeated ephemerally most likely related to hunting in a high-elevation within the mountainous steppe landscape.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

The Levantine Early Middle Palaeolithic in retrospect - Reassessing the contribution of Abou-Sif to the understanding of Palaeolithic record

The Early Middle Palaeolithic (EMP) in the Levant presents a unique phenomenon, diverse forms of blade production dominate the technological organization. Contrary to the discontinuous presence of blade production across Eurasia, both before and after the EMP, blades and their by-products were, between 250 and 160,000 years ago, the main "behavioral package" in the Levant region. The EMP lithic assemblages comprised of several techno-typological traits, the use of Levallois, Laminar, and cores on flakes reduction strategies. Furthermore, it seems that within each single reduction sequence there is versatility, changes which occur between technological concepts allows prolongation of the core's utility and enhanced control of blank production. Here, we reassess the assemblages of Abou-Sif, excavated between 1928-1934, and among the first EMP sites excavated and analysed in the region. These lithic assemblages, despite biased collection methods, will contribute to the understanding of the EMP technological organization. These results not only highlight the techno-typological diversity in the mode of production but also reflect the narrow variation that is shared among all known EMP sites. The possible social and demographic implications of this low-diversity within a cohesive geographical and chronological framework will be discussed with regards to the previous Late Lower and laterMiddle Paleolithic records in the Levant

Another piece in the puzzle – A new PPNA site at Bir el-Maksur (Northern Israel)

Salvage excavations held at the site of Bir el-Maksur, Lower Galilee, revealed an extensive Pre-Pottery Neolithic A (PPNA) occupation alongside rich assemblages. Albeit the lack of clear architectural structures, the abundant fi nds demonstrate a wide variety of activities held at this locale, including faunal and floral resource processing and consumption, on-site lithic production and large-scale pyrotechnological activities. A complex secondary burial of two individuals accompanied with what might be interpreted as grave goods (mainly ground stones) indicates more complex, socio-cultural activities as well. As the Neolithic period represents an important departure from Palaeolithic life-ways and the movement toward new economical and social spheres, it is important to bridge the gaps in our current knowledge of the spatial and temporal trends in settlement patterns associated with it. Our aim is thus to attempt a reconstruction of the function of Bir el-Maksur and place it within the larger framework of the PPNA. In this respect, and although hindered by post depositional processes as well as by the restricted extent of the studied area, these excavations illustrate important new data concerning the occupation of the Lower Galilee during this important period.Cet article livre les résultats de la fouille de sauvetage effectuée à Bir el-Maksur, un site du Néolithique pré-céramique A (PPNA) situé en Basse Galilée, dans le nord d’Israël, où a été mise au jour une vaste occupation avec de riches assemblages. Malgré l’absence de structures architecturales claires, les nombreux artefacts permettent de reconstituer une variété d’activités : le traitement de ressources végétales et fauniques et leur consommation, une production lithique in situ et des procédés pyrotechniques à grande échelle. Une sépulture secondaire complexe de deux individus, accompagnés de ce qui pourrait être des objets funéraires (principalement outillage de mouture), indique aussi l’existence d’activités socioculturelles plus complexes. Les fouilles et les assemblages retrouvés sont présentés avec une analyse des activités associées et de leur signification. Le Néolithique représente un mouvement vers de nouvelles sphères économiques et sociales, mais il est important de combler les lacunes dans notre connaissance actuelle des modes de peuplement liés à ce mouvement. Notre objectif est donc de reconstituer la fonction de Bir el-Maksur et replacer ce site dans le cadre chrono-culturel du PPNA. À cet égard et malgré les processus taphonomiques, ainsi que la superficie restreinte de la zone étudiée, ces fouilles apportent des données nouvelles significatives sur l’occupation de la Basse Galilée au cours de cette période importante.Malinsky-Buller Ariel, Aladjem Emil, Givol-Barzilai Yael, Bonnes Doron, Goren Yuval, Yeshurun Reuven, Birkenfeld Michal. Another piece in the puzzle – A new PPNA site at Bir el-Maksur (Northern Israel). In: Paléorient, 2013, vol. 39, n°2. pp. 155-172

Evidence for Middle Palaeolithic occupation and landscape change in central Armenia at the open-Air site of Alapars-1

Here we report the findings from excavations at the open-Air Middle Palaeolithic site of Alapars-1 in central Armenia. Three stratified Palaeolithic artefact assemblages were found within a 6-m-Thick alluvial-Aeolian sequence, located on the flanks of an obsidian-bearing lava dome. Combined sedimentological and chronological analyses reveal three phases of sedimentation and soil development. During Marine Oxygen Isotope Stages 5-3, the manner of deposition changes from alluvial to aeolian, with a development of soil horizons. Techno-Typological analysis and geochemical sourcing of the obsidian artefacts reveal differential discard patterns, source exploitation, and artefact densities within strata, suggesting variability in technological organization during the Middle Palaeolithic. Taken together, these results indicate changes in hominin occupation patterns from ephemeral to more persistent in relation to landscape dynamics during the last interglacial and glacial periods in central Armenia

First pollen record from the Late Holocene forest environment in the Lesser Caucasus

Pollen-based vegetation change has been inferred from sediments in Kalavan Red Lake. This small lake is placed in the beech-oak-hornbeam forest, about three kilometres away from archaeological remains. It has the potential to document the Holocene forest history and climate and human impacts on the Lesser Caucasus, West of the Caspian Sea. However, this lake happens to be formed by a large landslide.Pollen and XRF analysis are provided over the last 3800 years. The basal age of the Kalavan sediment approximates the landslide age. This created a not vegetated slope including the lake catchment. Erosion and sedimentation processes brought coarse and heavy minerogenic elements, declining with the catchment revegetation by tall-grassland. This shift in the sedimentation continues, suggesting less erosion in the catchment when an admixture of Quercus and grasslands settled. Starting from 2000 cal. BP, arboreal pollen increases successively thanks to the step afforestation of Quercus, Carpinus orientalis and Fagus.The comparison with available pollen reconstruction illustrates the uniqueness of the vegetation dynamic recorded at Kalavan. However, the duration of this succession is also questionable. An intermediate hypothesis is proposed: the Kalavan’s dynamic is first initiated by the landslide with the tall-grass development, then paced by the regional vegetation dynamic.Linking vegetation history and erosion with regional climate and archaeological data helps to evidence short-term climate change and human impact on this branch of the Silk Road. Antique arid phase (2000-1600 cal. BP), the Medieval Warm Period and Little Ice Age affect the vegetation, while demography variations during the Medieval period and Modern Age are shown by habitation and pastoral activity

First pollen record from the Late Holocene forest environment in the Lesser Caucasus

Pollen-based vegetation change has been inferred from sediments in Kalavan Red Lake. This small lake is placed in the beech-oak-hornbeam forest, about three kilometres away from archaeological remains. It has the potential to document the Holocene forest history and climate and human impacts on the Lesser Caucasus, West of the Caspian Sea. However, this lake happens to be formed by a large landslide.Pollen and XRF analysis are provided over the last 3800 years. The basal age of the Kalavan sediment approximates the landslide age. This created a not vegetated slope including the lake catchment. Erosion and sedimentation processes brought coarse and heavy minerogenic elements, declining with the catchment revegetation by tall-grassland. This shift in the sedimentation continues, suggesting less erosion in the catchment when an admixture of Quercus and grasslands settled. Starting from 2000 cal. BP, arboreal pollen increases successively thanks to the step afforestation of Quercus, Carpinus orientalis and Fagus.The comparison with available pollen reconstruction illustrates the uniqueness of the vegetation dynamic recorded at Kalavan. However, the duration of this succession is also questionable. An intermediate hypothesis is proposed: the Kalavan’s dynamic is first initiated by the landslide with the tall-grass development, then paced by the regional vegetation dynamic.Linking vegetation history and erosion with regional climate and archaeological data helps to evidence short-term climate change and human impact on this branch of the Silk Road. Antique arid phase (2000-1600 cal. BP), the Medieval Warm Period and Little Ice Age affect the vegetation, while demography variations during the Medieval period and Modern Age are shown by habitation and pastoral activity

First pollen record from the Late Holocene forest environment in the Lesser Caucasus

Pollen-based vegetation change has been inferred from sediments in Kalavan Red Lake. This small lake is placed in the beech-oak-hornbeam forest, about three kilometres away from archaeological remains. It has the potential to document the Holocene forest history and climate and human impacts on the Lesser Caucasus, West of the Caspian Sea. However, this lake happens to be formed by a large landslide.Pollen and XRF analysis are provided over the last 3800 years. The basal age of the Kalavan sediment approximates the landslide age. This created a not vegetated slope including the lake catchment. Erosion and sedimentation processes brought coarse and heavy minerogenic elements, declining with the catchment revegetation by tall-grassland. This shift in the sedimentation continues, suggesting less erosion in the catchment when an admixture of Quercus and grasslands settled. Starting from 2000 cal. BP, arboreal pollen increases successively thanks to the step afforestation of Quercus, Carpinus orientalis and Fagus.The comparison with available pollen reconstruction illustrates the uniqueness of the vegetation dynamic recorded at Kalavan. However, the duration of this succession is also questionable. An intermediate hypothesis is proposed: the Kalavan’s dynamic is first initiated by the landslide with the tall-grass development, then paced by the regional vegetation dynamic.Linking vegetation history and erosion with regional climate and archaeological data helps to evidence short-term climate change and human impact on this branch of the Silk Road. Antique arid phase (2000-1600 cal. BP), the Medieval Warm Period and Little Ice Age affect the vegetation, while demography variations during the Medieval period and Modern Age are shown by habitation and pastoral activity