Geochronology, paleogeography, and archaeology of the Acheulian locality of 'Evron Landfill in the western Galilee, Israel. Issue 2 (27th December 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shemer, Maayan; Crouvi, Onn; Shaar, Ron; Ebert, Yael; Matmon, Ari; Horwitz, Liora Kolska; Eisenmann, Véra; Enzel, Yehouda; Barzilai, Omry
• Other Names: collab.
• Is Part Of: Quaternary research. Volume 91:Issue 2(2019)
• Page Start: 729
• Page End: 750
• Publication Date: 2018-12-27
• Subjects: Lower Paleolithic, -- 'Evron, -- Acheulian, -- Ancient coast, -- Western Galilee, -- Soil stratigraphy, -- Paleomagnetic stratigraphy, -- Cosmogenic isotope burial age; Geology, Stratigraphic -- Quaternary -- Periodicals; Glacial epoch -- Periodicals; Stratigraphie -- Quaternaire -- Périodiques; Époque glaciaire -- Périodiques; Geology, Stratigraphic; Glacial epoch; Quaternary Geologic Period; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 551.79
• DOI: 10.1017/qua.2018.107
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0033-5894

Abstract

Abstract: A multidisciplinary study was conducted in a newly discovered Paleolithic locality, named 'Evron Landfill. This locality is a part of the Lower Paleolithic complex of 'Evron located at the western Galilee, Israel. Examination of artifacts has enabled the cultural attribution of 'Evron Landfill to the Early Acheulian, while detailed paleomagnetic stratigraphy places the hominin occupations near the Brunhes–Matuyama transition ~0.77 Ma. This age is constrained by cosmogenic isotope burial dating of the sediments overlying the Paleolithic finds, providing a minimum age of ~0.66±0.11 Ma for hominin activity at the site. These results are further supported by the biochronological information derived from the faunal assemblage. Comparative analyses of faunal remains and lithic artifacts from 'Evron Landfill demonstrate similarities to the assemblages from the Early Acheulian site of Evron Quarry, located ~300 m to the south. Pedo-sedimentological analyses indicate that hominin activity took place in a marsh environment in proximity to the Mediterranean coast, which probably fluctuated in both space and time with a fluvial environment. In addition, this study provides important data about ancient coastal activity during the early to middle Pleistocene.