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The Middle Paleolithic of the Levant: Recursion and Convergence

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

13 Scopus citations

Abstract

Improved geochronology for the Middle Paleolithic Levant reveals a “recursive” trajectory to several important dimensions of archaeological variability. This paper argues these recursions stem from repeated turnovers of Levantine hominin populations. Neandertals and early modern humans appear to have occupied the Levant at different times. Nevertheless, the similar lithic assemblages associated with these humans are seen by many researchers as evidence for cultural contacts and evolutionary continuity. Closer examination suggests they arise from convergence in hominin behavioral evolution, probably in the context of competition for the same ecological niche.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationInterdisciplinary Contributions to Archaeology
PublisherSpringer Nature
Pages189-211
Number of pages23
DOIs
StatePublished - 2006

Publication series

NameInterdisciplinary Contributions to Archaeology
ISSN (Print)1568-2722

Keywords

  • Blade Production
  • Current Anthropology
  • Marine Oxygen Isotope Stage
  • Modern Human
  • Oxygen Isotope Stage

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