When talking about archaeological research in Greece, it is safe to assume that most people think of the rich history of the ancient Greeks which has been studied intensively over several centuries...Show moreWhen talking about archaeological research in Greece, it is safe to assume that most people think of the rich history of the ancient Greeks which has been studied intensively over several centuries. Greek ruins scatter across the landscapes, with the Acropolis of Athens as a prime example. However, more stories, older stories, are hidden below that Classical landscape. Palaeolithic archaeological research is not a common area of interest among the archaeological studies in Greece. The Bronze age and Classical period are the main focus of most academic studies. Another reason for this fixed focus is because of the geological activity in Greece. Erosion, uplift, subsidence and deposition of geological material cause the Palaeolithic archaeological record to be obscured and difficult to find (Harvati et al. 2009, 131). Furthermore, the change in water level throughout the years between the inter-glacial and glacial periods have caused sites to disappear or to become unreachable (Wenban-Smith 2002, 3). Nevertheless, this lack of research leaves a gap in the archaeological information surrounding Palaeolithic Greece. For example, Greece can hold important information on the migration of early hominins and animals during the Pleistocene from Africa to Europe. As it is today, Greece could have been and probably was one of the most likely routes for migration from Africa to Europe. Moreover, research suggests that Greece contained refugia during multiple ice ages which were essential for flora and fauna, which also includes hominins to survive these cold periods. This further provides evidence to why Greece is a potential route for migration during the Pleistocene (Harvati et al. 2009, 131).Show less
Research at the Middle Pleistocene open air site Marathousa 1 uncovered the skeleton of a straight tusked elephant, that contained cut marks. This site was found through the PaGE project which...Show moreResearch at the Middle Pleistocene open air site Marathousa 1 uncovered the skeleton of a straight tusked elephant, that contained cut marks. This site was found through the PaGE project which focussed on finding evidence for Palaeolithic archaeology at the gates of Europe. The Galerian migration hypothesis is based on the necessity of mammal protein for hominins and suggests that they followed large mammal herds into Europe. At Marathousa 1 large mammal exploitation is evident and its location fits into the theory of migration through the Levantine corridor and the Balkans. In this research the environment and the climate of Marathousa 1 are reconstructed through macro and micro botanical fossil data. It shows that the site was at the edge of a paleolake, with a reed swamp surrounding it and a relatively open oak woodland in the distance. The lake had fluctuating water levels and regularly flooded. The fluctuating water levels are clear from the growing amount of vegetation mostly consisting of reed swamp that indicates that the edge of the water moved further away from the sampling point. The climate of Marathousa 1 was temperate to warm and got warmer towards the top of the sequence of the sampled data, which is closer to the lignite layers. These layers supposedly indicate an interglacial period. This warm climate promoted and facilitated particular vegetation that was advantageous for the hominins in the area. Many of the species found in the research were edible and some were well suited for making tools as well. The environment of Marathousa 1 provided an excellent opportunity for hominins to exploit their surroundings. Their (hominin) presence in southern Greece, related to warm climatic conditions, can attest for the migration of hominins slowly transitioning into central and northern Europe.Show less
Marathousa-1, Megalopolis basin, central Peloponnesus, dates to MIS 12 and is the oldest archaeological site in Greece. Palaeontological and archaeological finds include a near-complete skeleton of...Show moreMarathousa-1, Megalopolis basin, central Peloponnesus, dates to MIS 12 and is the oldest archaeological site in Greece. Palaeontological and archaeological finds include a near-complete skeleton of the elephant species Palaeoloxodon antiquus, many other animal bones and high amounts of stratigraphically associated small lithics. Cut marks on several bones indicate hominin exploitation of faunal resources. This research tried to assess the potential for plant exploitation at the site. In order to do that, the local vegetation of the site was reconstructed by means of a macro-botanical analysis. Two types of data were acquired: semi-quantitative data of four samples, and concentration data of one sample of those four. The results show that the majority of the identified plant taxa has an aquatic or waterside habitat, suggesting a lake-shore setting for the site. Big changes in the vegetation over time could not be established. Because not much is known about plant exploitation in the Palaeolithic, a literature study was deployed. By combining information from non-botanical sources and preserved plant remains at other sites, Palaeolithic plant use can be reconstructed. Plants must have played an important role in the lives of Palaeolithic hominins. Plants provided food, supplied raw material for tools, shelter and bedding and were essential for starting and maintaining a fire. Approximately two-third of the 62 plant taxa identified at Marathousa-1 is suitable for one or more of these purposes. The potential for plant exploitation at Marathousa-1 was therefore high, but due to the nature of the site and the sampling method actual use of plants by hominins at the site cannot be proven.Show less
In this research, multiple proxies have been studied in order to reconstruct the environment of Barnham. At this site, lithic artefacts as well as many organic remains are found. The site itself...Show moreIn this research, multiple proxies have been studied in order to reconstruct the environment of Barnham. At this site, lithic artefacts as well as many organic remains are found. The site itself correlates to the Hoxnian interglacial (MIS 11), which is dated to approximately 430 to 360 Kyr BP. Multiple excavation campaigns have occurred at the site, but only since the campaign of 2016 the site has yielded botanical macrofossils. This is a datatype that was before not yet studied at Barnham. In this thesis the sample taken from the field is studied and related to the existing data and the data of other sites in East Anglia. The study of this data has provided more detailed information of the local vegetation which grew in and around the waterbody of Barnham. The macrofossils confirm the existing environmental reconstruction, which is that of a mixed deciduous woodland and open grassland area with a waterbody present which is still to slow moving. Researching environment, especially at sites like Barnham, help to better understand hominin behaviour and the context they lived in.Show less
