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Although the first numerical dating of Middle and Upper Palaeolithic sites in Poland was applied at the beginning of the second half of the 20th century, it has only been in the last two decades that a data increase has been recorded, making it possible to discuss both the development of human behaviour and cultural phenomena in time perspective. This paper aims to show the chronological diversity of sites dating from the beginning of the Weichselian glaciation (MIS 5a - MIS 5d, GI-19 - GI-23, Greenland Interstadials) to the middle part of MIS 3 (GI-8 - GI-10). We considered sites dated mainly by thermoluminescence dating (OSL) and radiocarbon dating. We relied on a series of recent datings. We attempted to analyse the stratigraphic integrity, the archaeological finds and the numerical dating results. Through OSL dating, we could establish the chronology of Micoquian sites, previously regarded as middle Pleistocene, to the last glaciation. The dating compilation also shows that the Late Middle Palaeolithic and Early Upper Palaeolithic (EUP) sites are unlikely to overlap, or if they do, it is only over a small period. Unfortunately, this period is poorly interpreted because it spans the limit of the radiocarbon dating reliability and goes beyond the bounds of the calibration curve. Confronting the datings of the Lincombian-Ranisian-Jerzmanowician (LRJ) complex and the oldest finds associated with Aurigniacian sites in Poland lead to the conclusion that these sites may have co-occurred for some time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hunting activities of Neanderthals inhabiting the European Lowlands during the Weichsel glaciation are poorly understood due to the scarcity of faunal remains. This work concerns the puzzling accumulation of mammalian remains at the Middle Palaeolithic site Haller Av. in Wrocław, southwestern Poland. The site yielded lithic artifacts in two levels and numerous bone remains typical for steppe-tundra fauna, dominated by steppe bison (Bison priscus). As the site was transformed by fluvial processes, the question arose whether the accumulation of faunal bones was the result of human activity. To resolve this question, we used a multiproxy approach, including spatial analysis with GIS, as well as taphonomic and paleozoological analyses. It was found that the accumulation of bone remains was multi-stage and involved a large area. Only the bison remains were spatially correlated with the traces of human activity. In our opinion, these data indicate the presence of a hunting site of monospecific fauna, demonstrating the profound knowledge of Neanderthals about the ecosystem of which they were a part. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Remains of the steppe bison Bison priscus Bojanus, 1827 from the Upper Pleistocene layers of Biśnik Cave were morphometrically analysed and compared to those from other localities in Eurasia. The remains occurred in accumulations with archaeological artefacts. They bore traces of gnawing by carnivores. Morphometric analyses of the skull and post-cranial skeleton point to the small form of bison. The skull belonged to a small male while the bones of post-cranial skeleton indicate the occurrence of both males and females. Here we present all available and newly obtained calibrated 14C dates of the bison remains from this site, supplemented with new data for five specimens from Biśnik Cave, thus confirming the presence of the species during MIS 3 in Poland. The results are relevant to tracing the migration paths of the bison in the Upper Pleistocene during MIS 4-3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A fragment of an ursid radius with seventeen incisions (one of them incomplete) was excavated in the 1950s in the Dziadowa Skała Cave in the Częstochowa Upland in southern Poland from a deposit with faunal remains from the Eemian (ca 130–115 kyr). This object has been cited as the earliest evidence of Neanderthal cognitive abilities in the region, but it has been never studied in detail. The artefact has now been re-examined using microscopy and X-ray computed tomography. For this study we revised the determination of the bone and studied the morphology and metric parameters of the incisions (length, width, depth and opening angle). We also used experiments, statistical analysis and an analysis of the incisions' topography to establish the techniques behind their manufacture. The obtained results show that the bone was marked using a retouched stone tool, and that the incisions were produced during a single episode by a right-handed individual using repeated unidirectional movements of the tools' cutting edge. The incisions are evidently an effect of a deliberate action, not a side-effect of some practical activity. The bear radius from Dziadowa Skała is thus yet another piece of evidence for the emergence of symbolic culture, evolved by hominins in Africa and Eurasia, and represents the oldest example of marked bone north of the Carpathian Mountains. • The study of a bear radius with a set of incisions from the Eemian. • New CT method of quantitative analysis to investigate incision micromorphology. • CT method was implemented together with microscopy and experiments. • Incisions made by the repeated unidirectional movement of a retouched stone tool. • They were manufactured by a right-handed person during a single sitting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent excavations in Ciemna Cave in the Prądnik valley near Ojców, southern Poland have brought to light new stratigraphic and techno-typological evidence concerning Late Middle Palaeolithic groups and their cultural affinities. In 2007, excavations began in the hitherto-unexplored main chamber of Ciemna Cave, with the goal of clarifying the results of previous work in other parts of the cave. During excavation the rocky floor of the cave was reached. About 1000 stone artifacts have been collected to date. Three cultural traditions have been documented: Mousterian, Taubachian, and Micoquian. Within the Micoquian tradition, three cultural levels were observed, which enriches the previous understanding of occupational phases at the site. These findings permit revision of the traditional terms “Prądnik industry” and “Prądnik technique.” [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]