Ofer Bar-Yosef

Cave Dwellers in the Middle East

Caves in the semi-arid climate of the Middle East have preserved a record of early humans dating back at least 400,000 years. Sequences of occupation can be traced from these early occupations to historic times. Environmental information is conveyed by the presence of macro- and microfaunal remains—particularly the latter. Plant remains, an additional environmental indicator, are scarce, although microbotanical remains such as pollen and phytoliths can be found. Phytoliths tend to be better preserved and abundant and provide insights not only about past local and regional conditions but also about human activities, such as the gathering of plants for fuel, bedding, and food. Burials have been found of both archaic modern humans and Asian Neanderthals.