Article
Geography, Physical
Natalia P. Gerasimenko, Lyudmila G. Bezusko, Yulia L. Avdieienko, Alexandr A. Yanevich
Summary: Multiple environmental oscillations occurred during the Late Glacial and Holocene periods in the Crimea Mountains, impacting the cultures and vegetation in the region.
QUATERNARY INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Lise Alonso, Thomas Pommier, Danis Abrouk, Mylene Hugoni, Van Tran Van, Guillaume Minard, Claire Valiente Moro, Yvan Moenne-Loccoz
Summary: The dark zones in Lascaux Cave have distinct microbial communities compared to the black stains, although they share some similarities. There is a possibility that insects play a role in promoting both types of microbial alterations on the cave walls.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
C. Sanchez-Garcia, J. Revelles, F. Burjachs, I. Euba, I. Exposito, J. Ibanez, L. Schulte, J. Fernandez-Lopez de Pablo
Summary: This study reconstructs landscape change, geomorphological evolution, and fire history at Laguna de Villena during the Mesolithic-Neolithic transition, highlighting the impacts of climate variability and human activities on the environment.
Article
Archaeology
Cigdem Atakuman, Burcin Erdogu, Hasan Can Gemici, Ismail Baykara, Murat Karakoc, Paolo Biagi, Elisabetta Starnini, Denis Guilbeau, Nejat Yucel, Didem Turan, Murat Dirican
Summary: The Bozburun Peninsula in southwest Turkey, previously lacking in related investigations, has been discovered to be rich in prehistoric activity. The preliminary findings indicate the presence of Middle Paleolithic and Late Pleistocene/Eary Holocene stone industries, as well as artifacts suggesting Neolithic activity. Additionally, the discovery of Melos obsidian artifacts suggests early connections to the Aegean obsidian network.
JOURNAL OF ISLAND & COASTAL ARCHAEOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Rachel J. A. Hopkins, Lawrence Guy Straus, Manuel R. Gonzalez Morales
Summary: El Miron in Cantabria, Spain, is an important archaeological site with evidence from the late Middle Paleolithic to the Modern Period. Radiocarbon dating has been crucial in understanding the temporal framework for human activity at the site, with 93 dates obtained over more than two decades. This data helps to enhance the accuracy of the chronostratigraphy and advance archaeological comparisons.
Article
Anthropology
Ron Shimelmitz, Steven L. Kuhn, Michael Bisson, Mina Weinstein-Evron
Summary: Through analyzing Layer J72S of Unit X in Tabun Cave and other Acheulo-Yabrudian cultural remains, the study reveals the technological and cultural changes during the transition from the Lower to Middle Paleolithic. This suggests that the shift from Lower to Middle Paleolithic may involve a synthesis of old and new technological concepts, rather than a simple displacement process.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND ANTHROPOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Cristina Val-Peon, Juan I. Santisteban, Jose A. Lopez-Saez, Gerd-Christian Weniger, Klaus Reicherter
Summary: The study fills a gap in the lack of palaeoenvironmental and archaeological data on the SW coast of the Iberian Peninsula through a new palynological and geochemical dataset. It reveals warm vegetation conditions at the start of the Holocene followed by increased moisture and forest development, with peaks of aridity at 8.2 and 7.5 ka BP. Archaeological data suggest human groups in the Mesolithic and Early Neolithic periods adapted through seasonal camps and permanent settlements near rivers.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2021)
Article
Geography, Physical
Kevan Edinborough, Remi Martineau, Alexa Dufraisse, Stephen Shennan, Marie Imbeaux, Anthony Dumontet, Peter Schauer, Gordon Cook
Summary: New radiocarbon data for the Neolithic marshes of Marais de Saint-Gond Marne in France were presented and modeled. The study provided a synthesis of human activity in the region, revealing the earliest flint mine pits in France dating back to the Mesolithic period and showing a peak in regional population consistent with the advent of hypogeum construction during the late Neolithic period.
QUATERNARY INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Juan I. Morales, Artur Cebria, Maria Soto, Antonio Rodriguez-Hidalgo, Raquel Hernando, Elena Moreno-Ribas, Diego Lombao, Jose R. Rabunal, David M. Martin-Perea, Antonio Garcia-Tabernero, Ethel Allue, Andrea Garcia-Basanta, Esther Lizano, Tomas Marques-Bonet, Sahra Talamo, Laura Tassoni, Carles Lalueza-Fox, Josep M. Fullola, Antonio Rosas
Summary: This study presents an exceptional collection of Late Pleistocene human remains from Simanya Gran, offering valuable insights into the morphology and evolutionary trajectory of hominins in the northeastern Iberian Peninsula.
FRONTIERS IN EARTH SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Archaeology
L. Drak, M. D. Garralda, A. Martinez-Villa, P. Arias, G. Gonzalez-Fortes, A. Grandal-d'Anglade, B. Garcia-Alonso, S. Merino, M. J. Moreno, J. Arrazola, A. Saiz, J. J. Alcolea, R. de Balbin
Summary: Several important prehistoric sites in the Ardines karstic massif in Northern Spain have yielded significant finds, including skeletal remains from Tito Bustillo and La Lloseta caves. In Tito Bustillo cave, a buried skeleton (Tito Bustillo 1) dating back to the eighth millennium BC was found, along with isolated postcranial human remains (Tito Bustillo 2) that potentially belonged to a destroyed Neolithic burial. In La Lloseta cave, an incomplete skull was discovered, with skull bone fragments dated to the twelfth millennium BC and a cranium sample dated to the eighteen millennium BC, providing valuable insights into the prehistoric inhabitants of the Sella Valley from the Paleolithic to the Mesolithic and Neolithic periods.
JOURNAL OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SCIENCE-REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Diego Garate, Olivia Rivero, Joseba Rios-Garaizar, Ma Angeles Medina-Alcaide, Martin Arriolabengoa, Inaki Intxaurbe, Juan F. Ruiz-Lopez, Ana Belen Marin-Arroyo, Juan Rofes, Paula Garcia Bustos, Antonio Torres, Sergio Salazar
Summary: The Atxurra cave houses a collection of more than a hundred engraved animal depictions, located in deep parts of the cave and mostly hidden in raised areas. This archaeological record reveals the complexity of artistic production during the Upper Palaeolithic, with evidence of planning in terms of iconography, location, and lighting systems.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Anthropology
Patricia Martin, Carlos Tornero, Domingo Carlos Salazar Garcia, Josep Maria Verges
Summary: Husbandry in the Iberian Peninsula began in the second half of the 6th millennium BCE, primarily focusing on the breeding of domestic sheep. Through sequential oxygen and carbon isotope analyses, rapid adaptation and organization of sheep breeding were observed at El Mirador cave, with intensive births at the end of winter and early spring to make husbandry more compatible with other economic activities. The intervention of shepherds in the reproductive cycle of sheep and the adaptation of the animals to the interior of the Peninsula were also documented in the 5th millennium levels.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND ANTHROPOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Anthropology
Kristina Penezic, Marko Porcic, Petra Kathrin Urban, Ursula Wittwer-Backofen, Sofija Stefanovic
Summary: This work responds to a comment on the accuracy and precision of TCA analysis, the reflection of pregnancies in tooth cementum, and the interpretation of results. It argues for the reliability of TCA analysis, provides evidence for pregnancies leaving traces in tooth cementum, and clarifies that the hypothesis of increased fertility causing physiological stress in the Neolithic period needs further testing.
JOURNAL OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Paleontology
Carmen Nunez-Lahuerta, Victor Sauque, Alfred Sanchis, Elsa Duarte, Marco de la Rasilla
Summary: The avian assemblage from the Middle Paleolithic levels of the Llonin Cave reflects a mixed landscape of open areas and woodland, with a variety of bird species including corvids and raptors forming the accumulation.
COMPTES RENDUS PALEVOL
(2021)
Article
Geography, Physical
Grzegorz Osipowicz, Justyna Or Lowska, Ilga Zagorska
Summary: The results discuss the traceological studies of osseous artifacts found in the Mesolithic burial and Neolithic burial in Zvejnieki, Latvia. There was significant differentiation in the techniques used to make animal tooth pendants in the Mesolithic grave, while relative uniformity was observed in the methods used in the Neolithic grave. Use-wear traces were present in the Mesolithic pendants but absent from the Neolithic ones, suggesting different purposes for their production. The bone points from both burials were made in a similar manner and had been used.
QUATERNARY INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
Kenneth E. Campbell, Zbigniew M. Bochenski
Summary: The study of piciform avifauna in the upper Pleistocene asphalt deposits of Rancho La Brea, Los Angeles, California, identified several new genera and species, including the Breacopus garretti and Bitumenpicus minimus. The presence of the Northern Flicker as the most common species in the deposits is attributed to its ground-foraging habits. The habits of extant species from Rancho La Brea suggest primarily open environments with occasional scattered large trees, supporting the hypothesis of southwestern California being a biogeographic island during the late Pleistocene.
PALAEOBIODIVERSITY AND PALAEOENVIRONMENTS
(2021)
Article
Ornithology
Zbigniew M. Bochenski, Teresa Tomek, Malgorzata Bujoczek, Grzegorz Salwa
Summary: The newly discovered Crosnoornis nargizia from the early Oligocene of Poland is the fourth complete Paleogene passerine species described worldwide. It has a strong, straight beak for feeding on a variety of foods, and is likely to have spent most of its time in the forest.
JOURNAL OF ORNITHOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Geography, Physical
Malgorzata Kot, Natalia Gryczewska, Marcin Szymanek, Magdalena Moskal del-Hoyo, Marcin Szeliga, Claudio Berto, Michal Wojenka, Magdalena Krajcarz, Maciej T. Krajcarz, Krzysztof Wertz, Stanislaw Fedorowicz, Elzbieta Jaskulska, Hanna Pilcicka-Ciura
Summary: Although multiple Mesolithic cave sites have been discovered in Europe, there is limited evidence of Early Holocene hunter gatherers using such sites north of the Carpathians. The excavation of Bramka Rockshelter in southern Poland revealed a rich Early Mesolithic assemblage, with new radiocarbon dates confirming the chronology of the occupation phases and burials at the site. The presence of a high percentage of debitage suggests the possibility that the site may have functioned as a knapping workshop near Jurassic flint outcrops.
QUATERNARY INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Anthropology
Zbigniew M. Bochenski, Krzysztof Wertz, Risto Tornberg, Veli-Matti Korpimaki
Summary: Taphonomic studies can help distinguish between food remains deposited by diurnal birds of prey and those accumulated by humans or owls. The research found that differences between bone damage of different victims of peregrine falcons are relatively small, making the results applicable to different geographic areas inhabited by different species of birds. It is crucial to consider both the taxonomic composition of the assemblage and the prey size preferred by various raptors to identify the most likely species of bird of prey that has accumulated a given assemblage.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OSTEOARCHAEOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Anthropology
Krzysztof Wertz, Teresa Tomek, Zbigniew M. Bochenski
Summary: This paper introduces a method for identifying the ungual phalanges of European owls and falcons and emphasizes the importance of this identification method. The method will aid zooarchaeologists and palaeontologists in their research and contribute to a more in-depth understanding of zooarcheological materials.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OSTEOARCHAEOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Malgorzata Kot, Claudio Berto, Maciej T. Krajcarz, Magdalena Moskal-del Hoyo, Natalia Gryczewska, Marcin Szymanek, Adrian Marciszak, Krzysztof Stefaniak, Grzegorz Lipecki, Krzysztof Wertz, Teresa Madeyska, Katarzyna Zarzecka-Szubinska
Summary: The presence of Middle Pleistocene hominids in Central Europe is controversial due to the challenging climate and environmental conditions. However, new fieldwork conducted in Tunel Wielki Cave provides evidence of human occupation and their cultural and anatomical adaptations in the region.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Anthropology
Zbigniew M. Bochenski, Teresa Tomek, Krzysztof Wertz
Summary: This article discusses the usage of avian raptor claws as symbolic objects and decorations, emphasizing the importance of species identification for more in-depth conclusions from zooarcheology materials. It also introduces the first-ever manual for identification of ungual phalanges of European Accipitridae, which can be used independently or in conjunction with previous manuals for owls and falcons.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OSTEOARCHAEOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Humanities, Multidisciplinary
Joanna Religa-Sobczyk, Krzysztof Wertz, Lembi Lougas, Michal Wojenka, Anna Lemanik, Piotr Wojtal
Summary: Archaeological research at Ojcow castle has provided important information about the medieval castle life. The zooarchaeological analyses presented in this paper complement the archaeological research and contribute to our understanding of the castle inhabitants' diet from its establishment to the final residents. The zooarchaeological research is also supported by data from older settlement phases related to the Lusatian culture in the early Iron Age. The wide range of remains from mammals, birds, and fish, as well as the taphonomic features of bones found in different chronological strata of the castle, reflect the diverse economic activities that occurred in specific times and spaces.
Article
Paleontology
Johannes Happ, Armin Elsler, Juergen Kriwet, Cathrin Pfaff, Zbigniew M. Bochenski
Summary: Two new specimens of Passeriformes from the upper Middle Miocene in Austria provide insights into the morphological diversity of birds during this period. The associated skeleton suggests a diet of small invertebrates and possibly soft fruit, while the isolated sternum is one of the best-preserved from the Miocene era.
Article
Archaeology
Claudio Berto, Maciej T. Krajcarz, Magdalena Moskal-del Hoyo, Maryna Komar, Virginie Sinet-Mathiot, Katarzyna Zarzecka-Szubinska, Magdalena Krajcarz, Marcin Szymanek, Krzysztof Wertz, Adrian Marciszak, Monika Metrak, Malgorzata Suska-Malawska, Arndt Wilcke, Malgorzata Kot
Summary: By analyzing samples from Koziarnia Cave in Poland, researchers identified two climate oscillations during Marine Isotope Stage 3, reflected in proxies such as pollen record, lipid analysis, and remains of vertebrates. These oscillations provide insights into the Middle-Upper Palaeolithic transition in Central Europe.
JOURNAL OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SCIENCE-REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Anthropology
Krzysztof Wertz, Risto Tornberg, Kauko Huhtala, Marcin Diakowski, Jakub Kotowski, Malgorzata Kot
Summary: The study of bird remains from the Koziarnia Cave in Poland revealed the presence of bony shreds projecting from bones, made of material accumulated during the Late Pleistocene. This phenomenon was described and the most probable agent responsible for its occurrence was determined using various methods, providing a useful qualitative indicator for future taphonomic studies.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OSTEOARCHAEOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Anthropology
Krzysztof Wertz, Risto Tornberg, Zbigniew M. Bochenski
Summary: This study compares bone damage caused by the northern goshawk and other birds of prey as well as humans on medium-sized grouse, showing differences in bone preservation, fragmentation, and perforation. It also describes characteristic damage to the sternum and coracoid that may be typical of other raptors.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OSTEOARCHAEOLOGY
(2021)
