Anatolian Paleolithic Eras Overview

Anatolian Paleolithic Eras

• The Paleolithic Era in Anatolia spans a vast period of human history, from the Lower Paleolithic at 1 million years before present (BP) to the Upper Paleolithic and Epi-Paleolithic eras at 45,000-9,600 BP.
• This period witnessed key developments in human evolution, including the emergence of stone tools, the development of art, and the transition to more complex social structures.

The Lower Paleolithic (1,000,000-250,000 BP)

• The first evidence of stone tool production (lithic industry) is found in this era.
• Obsidian and basalt were used for stone tools.
• The Acheulian handaxe, a characteristic tool of the Lower Paleolithic, is present at sites in Anatolia.
• Early instances of burials were also documented in the later stages of this era.
• Sites explored include Kaletepe Deresi 3, Kocabaş and Yarımburgaz Cave.
• Early discoveries at Kocabas revealed fragments of a Homo erectus skull, offering insights into the health of early immigrants in Anatolia.
• Interestingly, evidence was found of tuberculosis in a Homo erectus skull, indicating the disease existed much earlier than previously thought.
• Yarımburgaz Cave provides evidence of dual occupancy by both humans and bears, with humans utilizing the cave seasonally as a shelter.
• During the course of the Lower Paleolithic era, there was evidence of a shift in skin pigmentation amongst early Homo sapiens migrating out of Africa.

The Middle Paleolithic (250,000-45,000 BP)

• This period marks the earliest evidence of artistic expression, including rock art and body paint.
• Long-distance trade for rare commodities, such as ochre, was established.
• Small and egalitarian social groups were the norm.
• Early forms of food preservation, such as smoking and drying meat, were practiced in this era.

Middle Paleolithic Sites in Anatolia

• Karain Cave played an important role in this era, with its continuous occupation from the Lower Paleolithic period (500,000-250,000 BP) right through to the Upper Paleolithic (24,000 BP).
• Aspendou Cave Petroglyphs on the island of Crete contain a mix of Upper Paleolithic (11,000 years old) and Bronze Age (3,000-5,000 years old) petroglyphs, including depictions of an extinct Candiacervus deer, possibly depicting hunting scenes.
• The Lion Man, Hohlenstein-Stadel: A prehistoric ivory (mammoth) sculpture from Germany, dating back to 40,000-35,000 BCE, represents the oldest known figurative depiction of a being that symbolizes supernatural concepts.
• Lascaux Cave: Located in France, it features about 6,000 paintings, predominantly depicting animals like horses, stags, bison, cattle, birds, felines, and bears. The cave paintings may represent past hunting success or mystical ritualistic practices.

The Upper Paleolithic (45,000-10,000 BP)

• The Upper Paleolithic era marked a period of change and innovation in Anatolia, with significant advancements in technology, art, and social organization.
• It witnessed the earliest known organized settlements, the elaboration of artistic works, and the first evidence of fishing.
• Complex social groupings developed, with specialized tool types emerging.
• The end of this period was characterized by a warmer climate due to the end of the last Ice Age.
• Technological advancements in the lithic industry led to the development of retouched and pointed blades.
• The use of bone for tool manufacturing, and the modification of shells, demonstrate the expanding repertoire of materials and craftsmanship.
• The Upper Paleolithic era is also marked by the appearance of intricate jewelry made from marine gastropods, offering the earliest known evidence of jewelry in the Near East.
• Anatolia saw sparse settlements in the Upper Paleolithic era, with adverse climatic conditions influencing human occupation patterns.
• The era showcases emergent forms of external symbolic human behavior, with body decoration playing a significant role in communication.
• Rich samples of animal bones, including herbivores, game birds, and tortoises, found at Upper Paleolithic sites provide valuable insights into the diet and environment of the people.

Sites of the Upper Paleolithic in Anatolia

• Üçağızlı (Hatay, Türkiye): This site, dating back to 43,000-28,000 BP, exhibits significant technological changes in the lithic industry, with evidence for retouched and pointed blades, bone tools, and modified shells.
• Öküzini (Antalya, Türkiye): This site, dated to around 17,800 BCE, is notable for the development of even smaller tools, bone awls, needles, spatulas, and grinding stones. The latter suggests extensive use of plant foods.

The Epi-Paleolithic (20,000-9,600 BP)

• The Epi-Paleolithic era marks a significant evolution in society in the region, with nomadic hunter-gatherers living in seasonal camps.
• The era is characterized by the emergence of microliths (small, finely produced blades), used in hunting weapons, spears, arrows, and other daily objects.
• The warmer climate and an increasing population contributed to an evolving lifestyle.
• The emergence of animal domestication and sedentism was prominent in the late Epi-Paleolithic and transition to the Pre-Pottery Neolithic era.
• This era also saw the first evidence of wild cereal harvesting.
• Southeast Türkiye witnessed a significant shift in behavior, with the construction of permanent dwellings and year-round settlements.
• This period also saw the development of social control and internal organization within emerging settlements.
• The people relied on hunting, fishing, and wild plant gathering for sustenance, while producing microlithic stone tools.
• These people also controlled and used fire.
• The emergence of organized settlements and the adoption of a more sedentary lifestyle marked a crucial step in the transition to the Neolithic period.

Key Technological Developments During the Paleolithic Period:

• Lithic Industry: Stone tools, including handaxes, blades, microliths, and grinding stones, were the defining technology of this period.
• Bone Tools: The use of bone for tools expanded the range of materials and craftsmanship.
• Jewelry: The emergence of jewelry, particularly pendants made from marine gastropods, demonstrates emerging forms of self-expression and cultural practices.

Societal Changes:

• From Small to Complex Social Groups: The period saw a shift from small and egalitarian groups towards larger and more complex social structures.
• Sedentism: The transition from a nomadic, hunter-gatherer lifestyle to a more sedentary one with settled communities was a fundamental change.
• Organized Settlements: The appearance of permanent settlements with evidence of social control and organization was another defining aspect of the later Paleolithic eras.

Conclusion

• The Paleolithic era in Anatolia offers valuable insights into the human experience, providing crucial evidence of how humans adapted to different environments, developed technology, and evolved their social structures over hundreds of thousands of years. It also sheds light on the foundations of later civilizations in the region.

Explore the vast timeline of the Paleolithic Era in Anatolia, from 1 million years ago to 9,600 BP. Discover key developments in human evolution, such as the creation of stone tools, artistic expression, and the beginnings of complex social structures. Learn about significant archaeological sites and findings that shaped our understanding of early human history.