In between Gravettian and Epigravettian in Central and Eastern Europe: a peculiar LGM Early Late Upper Paleolithic industry

Abstract

The proposed article aims to present data on Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) Early Late Upper Paleolithic assemblages from 9 sites in Eastern and Central Europe that compose the same specifi c Epi-Aurignacian industry with Sagaidak-Muralovka-type microliths (EASMM), and which are dated to ca. 25,500–23,000 cal BP. Initially identified in the south of Eastern Europe, where the first 7 such sites were found, later on it was also recognized in Central Europe, more precisely at the Mohelno-Plevovce (Czech Republic) and Rosenburg (Austria) sites. We will present data on those 9 sites, discussing their topographic positions, field research data, analyses of recovered artifacts, including some use-wear information, absolute dates, pollen and/or fauna data. Then we will summarize all this information to get insights into the human subsistence strategies, including technological adaptations, practiced by the groups that inhabited the cold steppe environment of these parts of Europe during the harsh climatic conditions of the LGM. Finally, we will deal with the origins of the EASMM from a Pan-European perspective, discussing its origins and possible scenarios of migration, cultural contact, etc., taking into account the different chronological, archaeological, climatic and paleoenvironmental data.