Ofer Marder

Fat residue and use-wear found on Acheulian biface and scraper associated with butchered elephant remains at the site of Revadim, Israel.

The archaeological record indicates that elephants must have played a significant role in early human diet and culture during Palaeolithic times in the Old World. However, the nature of interactions between early humans and elephants is still under discussion. Elephant remains are found in Palaeolithic sites, both open-air and cave sites, in Europe, Asia, the Levant, and Africa. In some cases elephant and mammoth remains indicate evidence for butchering and marrow extraction performed by humans. Revadim Quarry (Israel) is a Late Acheulian site where elephant remains were found in association with characteristic Lower Palaeolithic flint tools. In this paper we present results regarding the use of Palaeolithic tools in processing animal carcasses and rare identification of fat residue preserved on Lower Palaeolithic tools. Our results shed new light on the use of Palaeolithic stone tools and provide, for the first time, direct evidence (residue) of animal exploitation through the use of an Acheulian biface and a scraper. The association of an elephant rib bearing cut marks with these tools may reinforce the view suggesting the use of Palaeolithic stone tools in the consumption of large game.

Archaeological horizons and fluvial processes at the Lower Paleolithic open-air site of Revadim (Israel)

In this paper we present new data pertaining to the paleo-landscape characteristics at the Acheulian site of Revadim, on the southern coastal plain of Israel. Sedimentological, isotopic, granulometric and micromorphological studies showed that the archaeological remains accumulated in an active fluvial environment where channel action, overbank flooding and episodic inundation occurred. Measurements of total organic matter and its carbon isotopic composition indicate that the hominin activity at the site started at a period of relatively drier conditions, which coincided with erosion of the preceding soil sequence. This process led to the formation of a gently-undulating topography, as reconstructed by a GIS model. Later deposition documents relatively wetter conditions, as indicated by carbon isotopic composition. Formation processes identified at the site include fluvial processes, inundation episodes that resulted in anaerobic conditions and formation of oxide nodules, as well as small-scale bioturbation and later infiltration of carbonate-rich solutions that resulted in the formation of calcite nodules and crusts. The combination of micro-habitats created favorable conditions that repeatedly drew hominins to the area, as seen by a series of super-imposed archaeological horizons. This study shows that site-specific paleo-landscape reconstructions should play an important role in understanding regional variation among hominin occupations and in extrapolating long-term behavioral patterns during the Middle Pleistocene.

Geological and pedological aspects of an Early‐Paleolithic site: Revadim, Central Coastal Plain, Israel

An Early Paleolithic site was recently discovered within a sequence of paleosols in the Revadim Quarry, central coastal plain of Israel. The section is composed of three superimposed soils in a continuous sequence, but separated by two unconformity surfaces. The uppermost paleosol is a modern Dark Brown Grumusol (Vertisol), the middle is a Quartzic Gray Brown Soil (Haploxeralf), and the lower is a Red Hamra (Rhodoxeralf). Normal magnetic polarity was detected in the two lower soils, indicating that they are younger than the Brunhes–Matuyama boundary (<780 ka). A human occupation bed, enriched in secondary carbonate nodules, forms the lower part of the Quartzic Gray Brown Soil and overlies the Red Hamra. The living floor is located on top of the unconformity surface, separating the Red Hamra from the overlying Quartzic Gray Brown Soil. Middle to Late Acheulian handaxes, choppers, cores, and flake tools, including tools made by the Levallois technique, and man-laid flint pebbles were excavated in the human occupation bed. In addition, two elephant tusks, an elephant pelvis, an elephant tooth (Palaeoloxodon antiquus), tusk splinters, and bones of equid, suid, cervid, bovid, felid, and rodents were also collected. Based on well-documented nearby boreholes and on regional correlation, it appears that the underlying dune sands, the parent materials from which the Red Hamra developed, were deposited probably during a phase of high-stand sea level of Isotope Stage 9. The Red Hamra developed simultaneously with the human occupation of the site, probably during a phase of low-stand sea-level of Isotope Stage 8, before some 300–245 ka. The overlying dune sands, the parent materials from which the Quartzic Gray Brown Soil developed, were deposited probably during a phase of high-stand sea level of Isotope Stage 7. The climate prevailing in the area during Stage 8, as well as during the human habitation, was moist, with a dense vegetation cover of grassland and probably scattered trees. A small lake of trapped fresh water at a junction of two small tributaries of the Soreq River drainage system near the area occupied was available to hominids and animals.

Human adaptation and socioeonomic change in northeast China: Results of the Fuxin Regional Survey

Northeastern China is one of the centers of early development of agriculture and sedentary life, as well as of the subsequent development of social complexity and distinct cultural attributes. While the outlines of this trajectory are clear, its important details are still elusive. Like all other regions of northern China, there is little data on the all-important transition from nomad hunter-gatherers to sedentary agriculturalists. The Fuxin Regional Survey was designed as the first step in accumulating new data and addressing the geographic and ecological contexts of these socioeconomic processes. Among the most remarkable results of this survey is the identification of early ceramics, which possibly predate the transition to agriculture. The systematic collection and analysis of stone tools was done in a way never before done in this region. Analysis of our findings, using GIS and other methods, sheds new light on the local trajectory of human adaptation in this area.

Radiocarbon chronology of Manot Cave, Israel and Upper Paleolithic dispersals

Manot Cave radiocarbon dates establish Levantine chronology, which is critical for understanding Upper Paleolithic dispersals. The timing of archeological industries in the Levant is central for understanding the spread of modern humans with Upper Paleolithic traditions. We report a high-resolution radiocarbon chronology for Early Upper Paleolithic industries (Early Ahmarian and Levantine Aurignacian) from the newly excavated site of Manot Cave, Israel. The dates confirm that the Early Ahmarian industry was present by 46,000 calibrated years before the present (cal BP), and the Levantine Aurignacian occurred at least between 38,000 and 34,000 cal BP. This timing is consistent with proposed migrations or technological diffusions between the Near East and Europe. Specifically, the Ahmarian could have led to the development of the Protoaurignacian in Europe, and the Aurignacian in Europe could have spread back to the Near East as the Levantine Aurignacian.

The birth, life and death of an Iron Age house at Tel ‘Eton, Israel

Using a biographic-like approach, this article presents the initial results of the study of an elite Iron Age house at Tel ‘Eton, from its conception, through its birth and life, to its death and decomposition. Massive preparations preceded the construction of the house, and the latter incorporated continuous foundations, and quality building materials, including ashlar stones. The building was pre-planned, and some of the original rooms had two doorways leading to them, in order to enable easy future sub-division, without endangering the structures physical integrity. The house evolved over the years, and its inner division changed overtime, reflecting the changes in the life-cycle of the extended family that lived in it. The house was destroyed in heavy conflagration in the late 8th century BC; hundreds of artifacts and complete vessels were unearthed below and within the debris, allowing for a detailed reconstruction of the use of space within the building on the eve of its destruction and the processes that accompanied its destruction (perhaps even ‘execution’), and subsequent collapse.

Chrono-cultural Considerations of Middle Paleolithic Occurrences at Manot Cave (Western Galilee), Israel

Manot Cave is situated within the Levantine Mediterranean region. The site has an extensive Upper Paleolithic sequence, also manifesting the presence of a Middle Paleolithic occupation. This study will present the Middle Paleolithic assemblage from the cave. One of the Levallois centripetal cores from the assemblage exhibits, what seems to be non- utilitarian engravings on its cortex covered dorsal face. These incisions were performed prior to the last removals from the flaking surface. The Levallois techno-typological traits of the artifacts indicate their resemblance to other mid-late Middle Paleolithic techno-complexes present in the region.

Manot 1 calvaria and Recent Modern Human Evolution: an Anthropological Perspective

The time range between 60 ka and 50 ka is one of the most dramatic phases in human biological evolution. In this period, the western part of Eurasia (Europe and the Near East) was populated by Neanderthals, whereas the eastern part (Central Asia and Siberia) was populated by Denisovans. However, by 30 ka, these two populations were replaced by anatomically modern humans (AMH). When did these newcomers arrive and from where? There is accumulating archaeological and genetic evidence suggesting that this demographic shift occurred at the end of MIS 4 [1–3]. Moreover, it is quite clear that a major dispersal of AMH out of Africa was the source of the new populations [4–7]. In this study, we examined specific morphological characteristics of Manot 1 (e.g., suprainiac fossa), and assessed their similarities to the corresponding traits found among Neanderthals. We will show that although the terminology is similar, the traits in each hominin group are of different entities. We also show that Manot 1 and Early Upper Palaeolithic skulls of Europe have many traits in common (e.g., suprainiac fossa, bunning), although Manot 1 is much more gracile. Finally, some of the archaic traits (e.g., suprainiac fossa) seen in Manot 1 can be traced to the Late Pleistocene Aduma skull (~79–105 ka) from Ethiopia or even Eyasi 1 (~200–400 ka) from Tanzania.RésuméLa période comprise entre 60 000 et 50 000 ans BP est l’une des phases les plus importantes de l’évolution biologique humaine. Au cours de celle-ci, la partie occidentale de l’Eurasie (l’Europe et le Proche-Orient) a été peuplée par les Néandertaliens, tandis que la partie orientale (Asie centrale et Sibérie) l’a été par les Dénisoviens. Cependant, il y a plus de 30 000 ans, ces deux populations ont été remplacées par des Hommes anatomiquement modernes. Quand sont apparus ces nouveaux arrivants, et d’où venaient-ils ? Des données archéologiques et génétiques suggèrent que ce changement démographique a eu lieu à la fin du stade isotopique marin 4 [1–3]. Une dispersion importante d’Hommes anatomiquement modernes en dehors du continent africain serait à la source de ces nouvelles populations [4–7]. Dans cette étude, nous examinons la possibilité que Manot 1 appartienne à la population de base qui a donné lieu à l’Homme moderne. En outre, les relations entre Manot 1 et la population du Paléolithique supérieur d’Europe et les Néandertaliens levantins contemporains sont abordées. Dans cette étude, nous avons examiné les caractéristiques morphologiques particulières de Manot 1 (e.g. la fosse sus-iniaque) et évalué leurs similitudes avec les caractères homologues présents chez les Néandertaliens. Nous avons montré que, bien que la terminologie soit identique, les caractères de chaque groupe d’homininés représentent des entités différentes. Nous avons aussi mis en évidence queManot 1 et les crânes du Paléolithique supérieur ancien d’Europe ont beaucoup de caractères en commun, bien que Manot 1 soit plus gracile. Pour finir, certains des caractères archaïques observés sur le spécimen de Manot 1 sont aussi visibles sur le crâne éthiopien d’Aduma daté du Pléistocène final ou même celui d’Eyasi 1, en Tanzanie.

A Russian Before and After the Revolution: P. P. Efimenko, a Pioneer of Levantine Prehistoric Research

ABSTRACT This paper offers a reappraisal of the Levantine prehistoric chronological sequence constructed by Pyotr Petrovich Efimenko (1884–1969). As a young Russian prehistorian, Efimenko visited Palestine in 1913, collected material from several sites and, in 1915, published a synthesis in which he compared the prehistory of Europe with that of the Near East. This was part of his comprehensive monograph on the Prehistory of Eurasia which was also based on his work at the sites of Mezin and Kostenki and the Palaeolithic of Russia. The current paper also attempts to evaluate the career of Efimenko particularly in light of the unfamiliarity of his work among prehistorians working in the southern Levant.

La calvaria de Manot 1 et l’évolution de l’Homme moderne: une perspective anthropologique

The time range between 60 ka and 50 ka is one of the most dramatic phases in human biological evolution. In this period, the western part of Eurasia (Europe and the Near East) was populated by Neanderthals, whereas the eastern part (Central Asia and Siberia) was populated by Denisovans. However, by 30 ka, these two populations were replaced by anatomically modern humans (AMH). When did these newcomers arrive and from where? There is accumulating archaeological and genetic evidence suggesting that this demographic shift occurred at the end of MIS 4 [1–3]. Moreover, it is quite clear that a major dispersal of AMH out of Africa was the source of the new populations [4–7]. In this study, we examined specific morphological characteristics of Manot 1 (e.g., suprainiac fossa), and assessed their similarities to the corresponding traits found among Neanderthals. We will show that although the terminology is similar, the traits in each hominin group are of different entities. We also show that Manot 1 and Early Upper Palaeolithic skulls of Europe have many traits in common (e.g., suprainiac fossa, bunning), although Manot 1 is much more gracile. Finally, some of the archaic traits (e.g., suprainiac fossa) seen in Manot 1 can be traced to the Late Pleistocene Aduma skull (~79–105 ka) from Ethiopia or even Eyasi 1 (~200–400 ka) from Tanzania.RésuméLa période comprise entre 60 000 et 50 000 ans BP est l’une des phases les plus importantes de l’évolution biologique humaine. Au cours de celle-ci, la partie occidentale de l’Eurasie (l’Europe et le Proche-Orient) a été peuplée par les Néandertaliens, tandis que la partie orientale (Asie centrale et Sibérie) l’a été par les Dénisoviens. Cependant, il y a plus de 30 000 ans, ces deux populations ont été remplacées par des Hommes anatomiquement modernes. Quand sont apparus ces nouveaux arrivants, et d’où venaient-ils ? Des données archéologiques et génétiques suggèrent que ce changement démographique a eu lieu à la fin du stade isotopique marin 4 [1–3]. Une dispersion importante d’Hommes anatomiquement modernes en dehors du continent africain serait à la source de ces nouvelles populations [4–7]. Dans cette étude, nous examinons la possibilité que Manot 1 appartienne à la population de base qui a donné lieu à l’Homme moderne. En outre, les relations entre Manot 1 et la population du Paléolithique supérieur d’Europe et les Néandertaliens levantins contemporains sont abordées. Dans cette étude, nous avons examiné les caractéristiques morphologiques particulières de Manot 1 (e.g. la fosse sus-iniaque) et évalué leurs similitudes avec les caractères homologues présents chez les Néandertaliens. Nous avons montré que, bien que la terminologie soit identique, les caractères de chaque groupe d’homininés représentent des entités différentes. Nous avons aussi mis en évidence queManot 1 et les crânes du Paléolithique supérieur ancien d’Europe ont beaucoup de caractères en commun, bien que Manot 1 soit plus gracile. Pour finir, certains des caractères archaïques observés sur le spécimen de Manot 1 sont aussi visibles sur le crâne éthiopien d’Aduma daté du Pléistocène final ou même celui d’Eyasi 1, en Tanzanie.