Grotta-Riparo di Uluzzo C (Uluzzo Bay, Apulia, southern Italy) preserves a long and complex stratigraphic sequence spanning from the Middle Palaeolithic to the Bronze Age, offering a valuable context for investigating depositional dynamics and human–environment interactions during the Late Pleistocene. Although recent multidisciplinary research has substantially advanced knowledge of the Uluzzian occupations, the Mousterian faunal record of the site has remained largely unexplored from zooarchaeological and taphonomic perspectives. This study examines the faunal assemblages from the Mousterian layers (E, F, and G), integrating material from historical excavations with those recovered during recent fieldwork. Zooarchaeological, taphonomic, and Zooarchaeology by Mass Spectrometry (ZooMS) analyses are combined to reconstruct local environmental conditions, evaluate the relative contribution of human and non-human agents to bone accumulation, and assess patterns of site use and deposit formation. The faunal spectrum indicates an ecologically heterogeneous landscape, consistent with a Mediterranean refugial setting during the Late Pleistocene. Taphonomic evidence points to complex and cumulative formation processes resulting from repeated, short-term human occupations interspersed with carnivore activity and natural depositional processes. The Mousterian deposits are therefore best interpreted as brief palimpsests rather than the result of continuous or intensive occupation. Placed within a regional framework, the Uluzzo C assemblages contribute to broader discussions on site formation processes and environmental variability in southern Italy and provide an important comparative baseline for the Middle to Upper Palaeolithic period.

While competition with large carnivores is likely to have shaped Middle Paleolithic hominins' subsistence behavior, palimpsested human and carnivore accumulations render the signal challenging to isolate. This study presents a detailed zooarchaeological and taphonomic analysis of a non-anthropogenic faunal assemblage from a MIS 5 (similar to 130-80 ka) hyena den and porcupine lair at Geula Cave (Mount Carmel, Israel). The assemblage features abundant hyena and porcupine remains, pervasive gnawing, and negligible anthropogenic impact, which we draw on to assess human-carnivore interaction (or resource use). The ungulate assemblage is diverse and similar to that of contemporaneous anthropogenic assemblages, implying significant hunting-niche overlap. We propose that high ungulate diversity during MIS 5, possibly driven by interglacial corridor connectivity between Africa and the Levant, reduced competitive pressure and facilitated coexistence. Using hyena prey as an ecological baseline reveals how apparent "human choices" may reflect shared constraints within a competitive predator guild.

The middle phase of the Middle Paleolithic in the arid regions of the southern Levant is characterized by the presence of two distinct lithic traditions dominated by different reduction sequences: the centripetal Levallois and the Nubian Levallois. A new excavation at the site Besor Dyka uncovered well-preserved archaeological layers, dated by optically stimulated luminescence to late MIS 6-early MIS 5, making it the earliest known Middle Paleolithic occupation in the Negev Desert. Stable Isotope data from the site supports this chronology and suggests a correlation with one of the Negev Humid Periods. The lithic assemblage from the site is characterized by the dominance of the unidirectional convergent Levallois reduction strategy and the systematic production of triangular end-products. These traits, commonly associated with Late Middle Paleolithic sites in the southern Levant, differ from the contemporaneous MIS 6-5 centripetal Levallois and Nubian Levallois assemblages that are found in the Negev. The Besor Dyka lithics represents a third, previously unrecognized lithic tradition in the Negev during MIS 6-5. The results present new information on human adaptation to arid environments during the Middle Paleolithic and the possible influence of humid episodes on the movement of hunter gatherers between neighboring regions. The findings also emphasize that within the Middle Paleolithic of the southern Levant, the dominance of a specific Levallois strategy alone cannot reliably be used as a chronological marker.

Riparo l’Oscurusciuto (Ginosa, Apulia, Italy) hosts a rich Middle Paleolithic stratigraphic record, consisting of structures, fireplaces, lithic and faunal assemblages, and was occupied by Neanderthals during Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 3. The part of the stratigraphic record excavated so far encompassed a ~20-25 kyr time interval, spanning between ~42.7 BP and ~65 ka, based on i) 14C age determinations of bone collagen at the base of the uppermost stratigraphic unit (SU-1), ii) OSL dates, and iii) the correlation of SU-14 with the Mount Epomeo Green Tuff (MEGT)/Y-7 tephra layer derived from Ischia volcano in the Bay of Naples. Recent studies suggest that the MEGT and the Y-7 tephra potentially represent two, geochemically similar but temporally distinguished eruptive events on Ischia, dated between ~56 ka (MEGT) and ~60 ka (Y-7) respectively, with this having implications for the age model of Riparo l’Oscurusciuto sequence. Furthermore, ongoing excavations revealed the presence of further tephra layers underlying SU-14, with the excavated part of the Riparo l’Oscurusciuto sequence likely extending to the end of MIS 4. To better chronologically constrain the Riparo l’Oscurusciuto record further tephrochronological investigations are required.A new sampling campaign for tephra and cryptotephra analysis, including both glass and minerals major, minor (EPMA), and trace element (LA-ICP-MS) composition determination, has been undertaken. Eight samples have been taken from SU-14 and the underlying macroscopic volcanic ash deposits in SU-19 and SU-24/26. Analyses performed on the macroscopic samples revealed the occurrence of Na-Fe pyroxene (aegirine) in SU-24/26, but not in SU-14. The aegirine phase is absent in the MEGT deposits and subsequent, younger eruptive units on the island, but is present in the distal Y-7 deposits and older eruption units, thus SU-14 is confirmed to belong to the MEGT, whilst SU-24/26 can be correlated to either the Y-7 or another pre-MEGT eruption on Ischia. This is supported also by trace element analysis of the glass, where SU-14 shows wider ranges of Th and Y concentrations (i.e., Th = 14-58 ppm; Y = 27-73 ppm) relative to SU-24/26 (Th = 30-50 ppm; Y = 45-69), and similar to other MEGT proximal and distal samples. Concerning SU-19, trace element analysis also reveal concentrations similar to SU-14, however without wide ranging Th content (i.e., Th = 30-72 ppm) making its attribution to a temporally separate Y-7 still unclear.

We investigated the macrostructure and pore morphology of ostrich eggshells to evaluate their potential as indicators of past ostrich taxonomy and paleoenvironmental conditions in the southern Levant. We compared pore patterns of all extant ostrich species with those observed on eggshell fragments recovered from 20 archaeological sites in Israel, dating from the late Middle Pleistocene to the late Holocene. Our analysis revealed a shift from a clustered pore pattern-resembling that of the extant Somali ostrich-to a scattered pattern characteristic of the now-extinct Syrian ostrich. This transition, which occurred approximately between 100 and 70 ka, is tentatively interpreted as evidence of a species turnover, an interpretation supported by ecological niche models, which suggest that suitable habitats for the Somali ostrich existed in the southern Levant prior to similar to 100 ka, with peaks of particularly high habitat suitability around 240 ka and 120 ka. We propose that the presence of the Somali ostrich in the southern Levant possibly coincided with interglacial conditions that facilitated faunal movement through an open biogeographic corridor connecting Africa and the Levant. The entry of the Syrian ostrich into the region was associated with more arid condition. Our findings demonstrate the value of ostrich eggshells as a taxonomic biomarker and for reconstructing past environments and faunal distributions in the southern Levant and other regions.

The southern Italian Peninsula plays a crucial role as a biogeographical hotspot in Southern Europe, influenced significantly by the Mediterranean climate. This environment acted as a glacial refuge for diverse flora and fauna, humans included. This study employs pollen analysis on Mousterian and Uluzzian sediments from Grotta-Riparo di Uluzzo C in the Salento Peninsula (southern Italy) to reconstruct the vegetation landscapes encountered by the late Italian Neanderthals (thus far associated with the Mousterian) and early modern humans (linked to the Uluzzian) during the mid Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 3. Our palynological analyses reveal a distinctive and diverse environment within the Mediterranean landscape. Tephrochronological and OSL constraints and paleoenvironmental variability consistently allow us to date the investigated interval between similar to 46.6 ka and 43.4 ka, encompassing the second part of the long Greenland interstadial 12 (GI-12) and the onset of the GI-11. Over these three millennia, the environment in the area of Uluzzo C is characterized by a rich flora mainly composed of evergreen elements. Additionally, heliophytes such as Amaranthaceae, Artemisia, and Poaceae are observed. The consistent presence of pollen taxa such as Juglans, and Pinus halepensis/pinea, among others, highlights the importance of this coastal area of Apulia for the long-term persistence of Mediterranean species during the Late Pleistocene. These taxa could be supported by a generally mild climate, as suggested by the occurrence of Olea, Myrtus, and Cistus. These diverse environments would undeniably have offered various opportunities for the survival of Neanderthals and early Upper Palaeolithic hominins, especially during the warm phases and, critically, the cold events of the Late Pleistocene. Our integrated approach underscores the importance of Grotta-Riparo di Uluzzo C as a MIS 3 archive, contributing to the ongoing debate on the spatial extent of glacial refugia. Our data from Uluzzo C corroborate the previous idea that the climatic and environmental setting were not the main reason for Neanderthals' abandonment of Uluzzo Bay and potentially southern Italy around 45,000 years ago.

The onset of the Upper Paleolithic period in Eurasia is marked by the systematic production of pointed blades, commonly associated with the Marine Isotope Stage 3 expansion of modern humans. Consequently, many studies have concentrated on the geographical origins and mechanisms of spread of these blade industries across Eurasia, while comparatively less attention has been devoted to regional cultural dynamics and adaptive strategies. This research focuses on the initial stages of the Upper Paleolithic in the Negev Desert, a key region in the Levant that served as a major crossroads between Africa and Eurasia. The study integrates new cultural and environmental data from the Boker sites, originally excavated by Marks and re-excavated in 2015-2016. New radiocarbon (14C) and optically stimulated luminescence chronologies indicate that the Boker sites were occupied over a prolonged period, from approximately 45,000 to 30,000 calibrated years before present (cal BP). The earliest occupations at Boker are attributed to the Initial Upper Paleolithic (IUP), with later phases associated with the Early Upper Paleolithic Ahmarian technocomplex. Lithic assemblages from the Boker sites reveal a consistent use of unidirectional blade technology, suggesting that the desert Ahmarian industry evolved locally from the IUP. However, a notable shift is observed in percussion techniques, transitioning from the use of hard hammerstones in the IUP to soft hammerstones in the Early Upper Paleolithic. This technological change is interpreted as a result of cultural diffusion from the Mediterranean woodland Ahmarian, which predates its southern counterpart. Paleoenvironmental evidence from the Boker sites indicates that conditions were more favorable than those of the present-day Negev, as reflected by the presence of vegetation and water sources. These factors likely contributed to the repeated Upper Paleolithic occupations of this relatively small area. Charred archaeobotanical remains reveal a mix of drought-tolerant halophytic species and relics of Mediterranean thermophilous plants, suggesting a cooler and wetter climate. The discovery of dark, organic-rich layers near the Early Ahmarian occupation at Boker A supports the hypothesis that a salt pan existed in proximity to a freshwater source-an environmental setting that would have been attractive to both humans and animals.

The Negev region is a part of the great desert belt of north Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, a physical and environmental barrier between eastern Africa and southwest Asia. The proximity of the Negev Desert to the Eastern Mediterranean ecological zone to its north, makes it an interesting study area for identifying movements of people and ideas between these areas, in particular during interglacial periods such as Marine Isotope Stage 5 (MIS 5). Not until recently, the archaeological data associated with this stage in the Negev was quite limited, but new studies point to a complex scenario in which several lithic traditions coexisted. One of them was dominated by the Nubian Levallois technology, that is seen by some as a cultural proxy for population movement from Afro-Arabia into the Levant. A comprehensive geoarchaeological survey conducted during the years 2017–2020 revealed dozens of previously unknown Middle Paleolithic findspots in the central and the southern parts of the Negev. Amongst the new findspots, sites with Nubian Levallois cores were identified. The geomorphological contexts of most of these findspots correspond to MIS 5 terraces, as supported by several luminescence ages. A comparison between surveyed sites and excavated MIS 5 sites from the Negev shows differences in the composition of the lithic assemblages. The surface sites include a combination of Nubian cores, centripetal and bidirectional Levallois knapping modes, while the excavated sites are more homogeneous and dominated by centripetal and bidirectional Levallois, or Nubian Levallois, but not both together. We propose that the Nubian core technology in the Negev is part of a distinct lithic tradition, probably originated in regions to the south and the east, whereas the centripetal and bidirectional Levallois are integral part of the known Middle Paleolithic lithic traditions of the Mediterranean ecological zone to the north and likely represent their expansion south into the Negev Desert.

Avian exploitation during the Early Upper Paleolithic (EUP) is frequently interpreted as a marker of socioeconomic intensification across Europe and the Levant. However, the specific character of avian exploitation in the Levant has remained unexplored due to the scarcity of detailed zooarchaeological analyses. This study addresses this gap by analyzing bird remains from the well-stratified sequence at Manot Cave, Israel. The analysis focuses on three cultural phases: Phase 3 (similar to 40-36.5 kyr cal BP), Phase 2 (Levantine Aurignacian, 37.5-36.0 kyr cal BP), and Phase 1 (Atlitian, 34.5-33.1 kyr cal BP). Butchery evidence across all phases confirms that humans exploited birds, although some remains reflect contributions from nonhuman predators as well. Humans primarily targeted rock pigeons (Columba livia/oenas), which were possibly cave-dwelling, predictable, and accessible. During the Levantine Aurignacian phase, fowling occasionally extended to game birds, waterbirds, and raptors. Notably, cutmarks on the remains of long-legged buzzards (Buteo rufinus) and a short-toed eagle (Circaetus gallicus) suggest raptors were deliberately targeted, possibly for non-dietary purposes. The presence of nonresident bird species in the Aurignacian layers demonstrates that avian exploitation could have occurred year-round. Overall, the results indicate a more selective pattern of avian use in the Levantine EUP than previously recognized. At Manot, it centered on a reliable and easily accessible resource, rock pigeons, which may be considered as high-ranked small game. These findings contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the role that avian resources played in EUP subsistence strategies in the Levant.

The chrono-cultural sequence of the Levantine Upper Paleolithic went through several major revisions during approximately a century of focused research, each revision contributing to shedding light on the mosaic of cultural entities and the complex social and cultural dynamics composing the Levantine Upper Paleolithic. The current state of research suggests the co-inhabitance of two cultural groups: the Early Ahmarian and the Levantine Aurignacian. Two other cultural entities, the Arkov-Divshon and the Atlitian, are regarded as younger manifestations and were tentatively suggested to relate to the Levantine Aurignacian. This paper presents a research synthesis of two case studies: Manot Cave, located in western Galilee, Israel, and Nahal Rahaf 2 Rockshelter in the Judean Desert. The application of high-resolution excavation methods, alongside detailed documentation of the stratigraphy and site-formation processes and wide-scale radiocarbon-based absolute dating, marked these sites as ideal for chrono-cultural study through the analyses of flint industries. The results indicate a clear distinction between the Levantine Aurignacian and the Arkov-Divshon/Atlitian industries and a chronological overlap between the Arkov-Divshon, Levantine Aurignacian, and possibly with the Early Ahmarian. Subsequently, we suggest another revision of the currently accepted chrono-cultural model: not two, but at least three cultural entities co-inhabited the Levant at ca. 40-30 ky cal BP. This study further suggests an evolvement of the Atlitian flint industries from the Arkov-Divshon and stresses the foreign cultural features of the Levantine Aurignacian. These results were used to construct an updated model of migration and possible interaction patterns.

Antler is one of the primary animal raw materials exploited for technical purposes by the hunter-gatherer groups of the Eurasian Upper Palaeolithic (UP) all over the ecological range of deers, and beyond. It was exhaustively employed to produce one of the most critical tools for the survival of the UP societies: hunting weapons. However, antler implements can be made from diverse deer taxa, with different ecological requirements and ethological behaviours. Identifying the antler's origin at a taxonomic level is thus essential in improving our knowledge of humans' functional, practical and symbolic choices, as well as the human-animal interface during Prehistoric times. Nevertheless, palaeogenetics analyses have focused mainly on bone and teeth, with genetic studies of antler generally focused on modern deer conservation. Here we present the results of the first whole mitochondrial genome ancient DNA (aDNA) analysis by means of in-solution hybridisation capture of antlers from pre-Holocene archaeological contexts. We analysed a set of 50 Palaeolithic and Neolithic (c. 34-8ka) antler and osseous objects from South-Western Europe, Central Europe, South-Western Asia and the Caucasus. We successfully obtained aDNA, allowing us to identify the exploited taxa and demonstrate the archaeological relevance of those finds. Moreover, as most of the antlers were sampled using a minimally-invasive method, further analyses (morphometric, technical, genetic, radiometric and more) remain possible on these objects.

Identifying communal rituals in the Paleolithic is of scientific importance, as it reflects the expression of collective identity and the maintenance of group cohesion. This study provides evidence indicating the practice of deep cave collective rituals in the Levant during the Early Upper Paleolithic (EUP) period. It is demonstrated that these gatherings occurred within a distinct ritual compound and were centered around an engraved object in the deepest part of Manot Cave, a pivotal EUP site in southwest Asia. The ritual compound, segregated from the living areas, encompasses a large gallery partitioned by a cluster of remarkable speleothems. Within this gallery, an engraved boulder stands out, displaying geometric signs suggesting a unique representation of a tortoise. Isotopic analysis of calcite crusts on the boulder’s grooves revealed alignment with values found in speleothems from the cave dated to ~37 to 35 ka BP. Additionally, meticulous shape analysis of the grooves’ cross-section and the discernible presence of microlinear scratches on the grooves’ walls confirmed their anthropogenic origin. Examination of stalagmite laminae (36 ka BP) near the engraved boulder revealed a significant presence of wood ash particles within. This finding provides evidence for using fire to illuminate the dark, deep part of the cave during rituals. Acoustic tests conducted in various cave areas indicate that the ritual compound was well suited for communal gatherings, facilitating conversations, speeches, and hearing. Our results underscore the critical role of collective practices centered around a symbolic object in fostering a functional social network within the regional EUP communities.

The Middle Paleolithic of Western Asia is one of the more composite time periods in human evolution as it hosted at least two hominin species - early Homo sapiens and Neandertals. The early Homo sapiens originated from Africa whereas Neandertals arrived from Europe. In the Levant, these populations explored the same geographical niches, utilized similar resources, and may even inhabited the same caves. While the biological and morphological evidence discriminate between the two hominin populations, the material culture does not. Middle Paleolithic Neandertals and Homo sapiens used the same knapping methods to make their formal stone tools (i.e., Levallois core technology). This unique scenario hypothetically proposes that the two species shared one material culture. In the current research, we examine this hypothesis through studying the burial practices of these two distinct populations and comparing biological and cultural data from primary grave contexts. Examined anthropological and cultural variables show similar behavior in some respects such as body position, gender, age at death or burial offerings/goods, but also exhibit differences in location of burials within the caves, choice of different grave goods, and special positional markers. The analyzed data propose the two populations share some cultural behavior from the origin territory (Europe, Africa). Nevertheless, Middle Paleolithic Levantine burials are earlier than Neandertal burials in Europe and from Homo sapiens burials in Africa. Accordingly, we conclude the custom of human burials was innovated in the Levant from where it spread to the Neandertal territorial range in Europe. The arrival of Homo sapiens and Neandertal populations to the Levant between MIS 5 and MIS 3 likely influenced territorial dynamics. A compelling indicator of land ownership is evident in the widespread practice of burials by both populations. We hypothesize that the growing frequency of burials by these two populations in Western Asia is linked to the intensified competition for resources and space resulting from the arrival of these populations. (c) 2024 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.

The site of Manot Cave in western Galilee, Israel, has been a focus of research on the Levantine Upper Paleolithic since its discovery in 2008. Thick archaeological accumulations and good preservation of organic remains, including charcoal fragments, provided a stable base for the study of the Upper Paleolithic chrono-cultural sequence, alongside the paleoenvironmental conditions at the time of human occupations. Past research indicated the presence of at least three cultural entities in the cave: Early Ahmarian, Levantine Aurignacian, and a younger entity temporarily referred to as ‘post-Levantine Aurignacian’, while radiocarbon and isotope dating provided a preliminary chronological frame ca. 46–34 ky calBP.This paper presents a comprehensive study of the unpublished, in-situ occupation layers identified near the entrance to the cave (Area E). This study, encompassing stratigraphic reconstruction and lithic analysis of eight distinct occupation layers, presents a refined chronological frame and revised cultural affiliations. It suggests a division of the sequence from Area E into three main occupation phases: Phase 3, containing a combination of technological and typological attributes comparable to both the Early Ahmarian and Levantine Aurignacian, to which a secure cultural affiliation is pending further research; Phase 2, containing ‘classic’ Levantine Aurignacian industries, dated ca. 37.5–36.0 ky calBP; and Phase 1, contains industries with increasing microlithic dominance, and the prominent presence of truncation burins and items with lateral carination, affiliated here with the Atlitian of the Levantine Mediterranean region. Radiocarbon chronology indicates a maximum age of ca. 34.5–33.1 ky calBP for this occupation phase.This study establishes Manot Cave as a key site for the study of Levantine Upper Paleolithic cultural dynamics, providing a unique, well-dated sequence and comparable techno-typological data of the flint industries.

During March 2021, a short trial excavation was conducted at ʻEn Ziq 4 (License No. Z-7/2021; map ref. 186100 –610/ 523700–4000; Fig. 1). The excavation, on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority and funded by ISF Grant 2236/19, was directed by M. Oron and O. Barzilai (field photography), with the assistance of E. Cohen-Sasson (GIS), Y. Avni, and N. Wheeler (geology), N. Porat (OSL), E. Aladjem (photogrammetry), D. Gazit (flint artifacts photography) and the Desert Nomads Volunteers.

In June 2021, a trial excavation was conducted in Emireh Cave in Na h al ‘Amud (License No. Z-3/2021; map ref. 2485 – 6/7522 – 3). The excavation, on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority and funded by the Dan David Foundation, was directed by N. Gubenko and O. Barzilai, with the assistance of H. May, I. Hershkovitz and R. Sarig (anthropology), A. Kleiner (photogrammetry) and H. Mamalya and O. Zingboym (logistic support).

The Initial Upper Paleolithic(IUP)is a chrono-cultural phase corresponding with the onset of systematic production of pointed blades in various regions in Eurasia.This phenomenon is often conceived to correlate with the MIS 3 modern human expansion.Originally defined after the site Boker Tachtit in the Negev Desert,Israel,the Levantine IUP is composed of two consecutive superimposed lithic industries.The lower,named Emiran,is characterized with bidirectional blade technology,whereas the upper industry with unidirectional blades.Until recently the chronology of Boker Tachtit was insecure but new radiometric ages have shown that the Emiran is contemporaneous with the local Late Mousterian,thus supporting the assumption of this industry being imported.Similar technological features and chronological proximities between Boker Tachtit and assemblages from the Nile Valley and southern Arabia suggest the early Boker Tachtit inhabitants may have originated from these regions.The Emiran industry developed in Boker Tachtit into a later variant,the unidirectional industry,but it also expanded northward to central Europe and north-central Asia.The later variant acted in a similar manner as it developed locally into the early Ahmarian techno-complex but also expanded into the northern Levant and the Balkans.It is proposed the IUP phase featured at least two dispersal events.The first is the expansion from the Nile Valley/Arabia to the Levant from where it expanded rapidly to central Europe and north-central Asia.The second dispersal occurred slightly later and began in the southern Levant from where it spread to the northern Levant and the Balkans.

The current study reports the discovery of a new production site of handaxes and cleavers on flakes at Nahal Barak in the southern Negev Desert, Israel. The Nahal Barak site complex is located immediately below and around a conglomerate outcrop of Pliocene-Early Pleistocene age. The outcrop consists of large boulders of coarse-grained silicified limestone, originally of Middle Eocene age, that were used as giant cores for producing large flakes which in turn were modified into handaxes and cleavers. Handaxes and cleavers on large flakes made from coarse-grained raw materials are quite rare in the Levant and are currently confined to the Middle Acheulian site of Gesher Benot Ya'aqov in the Hula Valley. Recent extensive fieldwork in western and central Arabia has revealed production sites for handaxes and cleavers on large flakes from coarse-grained materials such as andesite and rhyolite. These bifacial tools were made on large flakes, produced from giant cores by a distinctive knapping method. The technological characteristics of the Nahal Barak sites show similarities with Acheulian sites in western and central Arabia, especially with the Saffaqah sites near Dwadma where production of coarse-grained handaxes and cleavers from giant andesite cores was documented. This observation implies on cultural connections between the southern Negev region and the Arabian Peninsula during the Lower Palaeolithic period.

Following renewed excavations at Boker Tachtit (2013–2015), a revised study of the lithic assemblage techno-typological characteristics was conducted placing it within a regional context. The growing number of archaeological sites in the Levantine desert regions assigned to the Initial Upper Paleolithic calls for an updated perspective regarding technological affinities and social interaction. Combining the techno-typological data from the new and old excavations at Boker Tachtit with previously published material suggest a transitional continuum within the sequence. The techno-typological shift seen within the Boker Tachtit sequence and its comparison to other assemblages from penecontemporaneous sites in the region indicates that the Initial Upper Paleolithic technological practices evolved through incremental processes resulting in novel technological traits and innovative technological systems.