Archaeology

Rietberg - Große Höppe is an Azilian/ Early Federmesser site complex located in the Westphalian Basin, Germany, that is radiocarbon dated to the early Allerød phase GI-1c3 (13.700 cal BP). Currently, it represents the earliest dated evidence for the re-colonization of Westphalia after the LGM. Pollen evidence suggests an open woodland landscape surrounding the Pleistocene Ems floodplain where the Rietberg sites are located. The three major sites Rietberg 1, 2 and 5 represent different activities spectrums. While Rietberg 1 stands for a typical bas camp structured by domestic and re-tooling activities, at Rietberg 2 a single fire place was entertained that likely served to repair projectiles. Rietberg 5 is structured by small flint knapping areas, fire activities and pit features. A sparsity of retouched tools combined with an abundance of knapping debris at Rietberg 5 supports the notion of a workshop site. Studies on the lithic techno-typology have shown similarities with Azilian assemblages in the Paris Basin, such as Conty, le Marais, niveau inférieur and Hangest-sur-Somme III.1, niveau inférieur. Other objects of interest found at Rietberg 1 are comprised of a shaft straightener and a perforated stone that may have served as a pendant; both are rare finds in Late Palaeolithic contexts in Central Europe.

Reference: A. Maier & D. Leder 2018. Rietberg. Die spätglaziale Wiederbesiedlung Westfalens. In: J. Richter 2018 (Ed.), 111 Jahre Prähistorische Archäologie in Köln. Köln, Kölner Studien zur Prähistorischen Archäologie 9., 110-121. ISBN 978-3-86757-369-6

The Wadi Sabra has yielded late Pleistocene sediments of fluvial and fluvio-aeolian origin evidencing continuous aggradation between 45-20 ka calBP that correlates with Lisan lake level high stands. The combination of various palaeoenvironmental proxies provides arguments for alternating and temporary moister climatic conditions in the Wadi Sabra than today encouraging continuous human occupation during Upper Palaeolithic and Epipalaeolithic times. This period of climatic amelioration coincides with the dispersal of modern humans out of Africa and with the repeated human occupations of the study area evidenced through the numerous Upper Palaeolithic and
Epipalaeolithic sites.
Contemporaneous pollen records located at the East Mediterranean coast and the nearby Dead Sea evidence predominantly dry climate conditions with a general trend from moderate climate around 45 ka calBP to very dry and cold conditions around 20 ka calBP [12]. At the same time, the southern Levant was characterised by a mixed Chenopodiaceae and Artemisia steppe and a relatively sparse tree cover.
The many Wadi Sabra sites dating to MIS 3-2 illustrate that prehistoric humans were well equipped to live in, adapt to and interact with this challenging environment. They devolved adaptive strategies such as microlithisation and increased residential mobility as a response to palaeoenvironmental changes.