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The branched reduction system at the Heidenschmiede described here is hitherto exceptional for the Middle Paleolithic of the Swabian Jura. By means of refits and supporting objects, we are able to describe a superordinate reduction system that combines several individual reduction concepts, such as Levallois and blade production, within one volume. In the Middle Paleolithic of the Swabian Jura, blade technology has thus far played a rather minor role. On the one hand, it is possible to split a selected volume (nodule) into three parts, which are reduced separately according to individual concepts. On the other hand, it is also possible to reduce parts of a volume with one concept first and then with another. The hypothetical reduction system can be branched or linear, thus emphasizing the technological flexibility in core reduction, which requires a high degree of cognitive skills of three-dimensional imagination., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Große Grotte is one of the few Middle Paleolithic sites in the Swabian Jura where it is possible to perform intraspatial analyses based on stratigraphic, chorological and chronological observations. In this paper, the spatial use of the site is discussed. This is of great importance both for the interpretation of the site use and for the understanding of the settlement system in general. The settlement remains in Große Grotte were distributed in individual concentrations within the ten Middle Paleolithic layers and were also not found diachronically at the same spot. The settlement shifted successively over time towards the northern cave wall. The layers were deposited during the time span between MIS 5 and 3. Regarding the stone artifacts of the respective layers, a diachronic increase in complexity and diversity is evident. Due to the location of the cave within the landscape, the site can be considered primarily as a base for observing the migration of animal herds. The site was not usable all year because of hibernating cave bears, indicating seasonal use of the location by humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]