The earlier Palaeolithic of Syria : settlement history, technology and landscape-use in the Orontes and Euphrates valleys
This thesis represents the first investigation to examine Lower and Middle Palaeolithic technological behaviour in Syria in its wider landscape context, focussing on material from the two main river valleys; the Orontes and the Euphrates. Recent geological work has begun to develop an increasingly secure dating scheme for the terraces of these rivers, and hence for the artefacts obtained from them. Key artefact collections which can be located within these emergent chronostratigraphic frameworks were delimited. These assemblages have been analysed using a dynamic and flexible methodology which enabled the specific factors which affect artefact variability (in terms of local material affordances and human choice) to be assessed. Lithic artefacts are treated as the residues of hominin action, and not, as has frequently been the case, the static markers of chrono-cultural evolution. This research has demonstrated that Lower and Middle Palaeolithic hominins responded knowledgably and flexibly to the specific material constraints of particular places at particular points in time. Moreover, it emphasises that understanding particular assemblages entails relocating this material within its landscape context - effectively,
Shaw, Andrew Douglas
The earlier Palaeolithic of Syria : settlement history, technology and landscape-use in the Orontes and Euphrates valleys. This thesis represents the first investigation to examine Lower and Middle Palaeolithic technological behaviour in Syria in its wider landscape context, focussing on material from the two main river valleys; the Orontes and the Euphrates. Recent geological work has begun to develop an increasingly secure dating scheme for the terraces of these rivers, and hence for the artefacts obtained from them. Key artefact collections which can be located within these emergent chronostratigraphic frameworks were delimited. These assemblages have been analysed using a dynamic and flexible methodology which enabled the specific factors which affect artefact variability (in terms of local material affordances and human choice) to be assessed. Lithic artefacts are treated as the residues of hominin action, and not, as has frequently been the case, the static markers of chrono-cultural evolution. This research has demonstrated that Lower and Middle Palaeolithic hominins responded knowledgably and flexibly to the specific material constraints of particular places at particular points in time. Moreover, it emphasises that understanding particular assemblages entails relocating this material within its landscape context - effectively,
earlier palaeolithic syria settlement_history technology_landscape use euphrates valley represent_first investigation examine lower_middle_palaeolithic technological behaviour syria wider_landscape context focus material two_main river_valley euphrates recent geological work begin_develop increasingly secure date scheme terrace river hence artefact obtain them key artefact collection locate_within emergent framework delimit assemblage_analyse use dynamic flexible enable specific factor_affect artefact variability term local material affordances human choice assess lithic_artefact treat residue hominin action frequently case static marker cultural_evolution demonstrate lower_middle_palaeolithic hominins respond specific material constraint particular place particular point_time moreover emphasise particular assemblage entail relocate material within_landscape context effectively