Unexpected: hominin presence at Happisburgh Site 1 and Site 3 (Norfolk, UK) during the Early and early Middle Pleistocene

Recent discoveries in the Cromer Forest-bed Formation, UK, demonstrated early colonisation of northern Europe. The Mediterranean like environment of Pakefield led to the interpretation that hominins before 500 ka may have been able to colonise northern Europe only under environmental conditions that were familiar to them (Parfitt et al. 2005; Roebroeks 2006). The discovery of archaeological sites at Happisburgh (UK) provided new data that were not in compliance with the ecological signal established above (Parfitt et al. 2010). This thesis presents evidence from Happisburgh Site 1 and Site 3 that indicates early hominin presence in northern Europe before 500 ka in cool and forested environments. Theories that can explain hominin presence in these cooler environments are addressed as well as technological innovations the hominins may have adapted to survive the environment. The coastal perspective theory explains hominin presence in northern Europe due to adaptations to coastal zones...Show moreRecent discoveries in the Cromer Forest-bed Formation, UK, demonstrated early colonisation of northern Europe. The Mediterranean like environment of Pakefield led to the interpretation that hominins before 500 ka may have been able to colonise northern Europe only under environmental conditions that were familiar to them (Parfitt et al. 2005; Roebroeks 2006). The discovery of archaeological sites at Happisburgh (UK) provided new data that were not in compliance with the ecological signal established above (Parfitt et al. 2010). This thesis presents evidence from Happisburgh Site 1 and Site 3 that indicates early hominin presence in northern Europe before 500 ka in cool and forested environments. Theories that can explain hominin presence in these cooler environments are addressed as well as technological innovations the hominins may have adapted to survive the environment. The coastal perspective theory explains hominin presence in northern Europe due to adaptations to coastal zones which would provide an abundant habitat mix, plenty of resources and a temperate low seasonal climate (Cohen et al. 2012). Technological adaptations to cold winters (below zero) may have been needed, but are not irrefutably reflected in the archaeological record of the Happisburgh sites. The Happisburgh sites have large implications for our understanding of the ecological tolerances and behaviour of early hominins in Europe.Show less

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Unexpected: hominin presence at Happisburgh Site 1 and Site 3 (Norfolk, UK) during the Early and early Middle Pleistocene