Understanding the environmental context of potential plant exploitation by a central European Hominin population in Schöningen

The German Palaeolithic site of Schöningen located in Lower Saxony, which features a palaeo-lacustrine environment, is renowned for its exceptional preservation of artefacts, zoological and botanical remains and more specifically for the nine wooden spears. These spears were attributed to a hominin population which is referred to by most scholars, despite the absence of hominin remains, as Homo heidelbergensis. Most research has been focused on the Spear horizon(13II-4), the hunting patterns and zoological records, with few publications dealing with the plant exploitation and environment. The utilization of plant materials is very often overlooked causing for a skewed perspective on early hominin lives and missing out on valuable information that can be inferred from the local flora and environment. In order to attempt to understand the potential plant exploitation patters of early hominins the environmental context is crucial. Therefore, this thesis aims, firstly, to reconstruct...Show moreThe German Palaeolithic site of Schöningen located in Lower Saxony, which features a palaeo-lacustrine environment, is renowned for its exceptional preservation of artefacts, zoological and botanical remains and more specifically for the nine wooden spears. These spears were attributed to a hominin population which is referred to by most scholars, despite the absence of hominin remains, as Homo heidelbergensis. Most research has been focused on the Spear horizon(13II-4), the hunting patterns and zoological records, with few publications dealing with the plant exploitation and environment. The utilization of plant materials is very often overlooked causing for a skewed perspective on early hominin lives and missing out on valuable information that can be inferred from the local flora and environment. In order to attempt to understand the potential plant exploitation patters of early hominins the environmental context is crucial. Therefore, this thesis aims, firstly, to reconstruct the palaeoenvironment of Schöningen layer 13II-3; a layer below the famous spear horizon; and secondly, through that environmental context understand the potential subsistent strategies and activities revolving around plant exploitation. Samples from Schöningen layer 13II-3 were collected in August of 2024 and were further divided into subsamples (ID 690,691 and 692). The sample analysed in this study is the oldest bottom layer 960. It was processed in Leiden University’s botany lab in the faculty of Archaeology and was analysed using low power binocular microscopes. The result suggests a biodiverse lacustrine environment characterized by ample sun light, fresh, lentic, calcareous and alkaline waters surrounded by a riparian woodland ecosystem. The majority of the plant taxa recognised have nutritional value and/or healing properties also known today or utilised in traditional remedies. Further, the use of plant materials for tool manufacturing is also highly suggested given the existence of a suspected digging stick in layer 13II-3 and the wooden spears one layer above. Therefore, it could be inferred that ‘Homo heidelbergensis’ potentially exploited several of these taxa for consumption, medicinal effects but also their structural properties for tool manufacturing. Which breaks the stereotype of palaeolithic hominins diets as strictly wild game with the occasional gathering of plants highlighting plant exploitation and its diverse usage potential.Show less

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Understanding the environmental context of potential plant exploitation by a central European Hominin population in Schöningen