Exploring Paleogeographic Conditions at Two P aleolithic Sites in N avarino, Southwest G reece, Dated by Optically Stimulated Luminescence

• Published in: Geoarchaeology 2012-05, Vol.27 (3), p.237-258
• Main Authors: Athanassas, Constantin, Bassiakos, Yannis, Wagner, Günther A., Timpson, Michael E.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0883-6353; 1520-6548
• DOI: 10.1002/gea.21406

In this paper, we employed optically stimulated luminescence ( OSL ) dating of sediments from two archaeological sites located in N avarino, M essenia, southwestern G reece, to deduce a chronology for the archaeological sites. Archaeological surveys identified two P aleolithic sites on fossilized coastal dunes. Chipped stone tool assemblages were identified eroding out of paleosols developed in the dunes. The assemblage from one site lacked distinct typological features and hence it was difficult to assign to a chronological period. The lithic assemblage from the other site contained artifacts that typologically can be assigned to the L evallois‐ M ousterian. Previous efforts to date the artifact‐bearing sediments at these sites were unsuccessful. Using newer OSL dating methods (i.e., the Single‐Aliquot‐Regenerated Dose protocol and thermally transferred‐ OSL [ TT ‐ OSL ]), we attempted to construct a chronological framework for L ate P leistocene human activity in the southwest P eloponnese. The revised OSL chronology for the first site is 28 ± 5 ka, while a luminescence age of 8 ± 1 ka for the second site only represents a later deflation event. Within the framework of Q uaternary environmental change, the location of P aleolithic sites relative to the coast would have changed during the course of the P leistocene. As a result, P aleolithic exploitation strategies would have been strongly influenced by the changing coastal geomorphology, encouraging hominids to adapt to new distributions of resources. OSL dating of the archaeological sites allowed us to connect traces of hominid activity with climatic stadials/interstadials of the later P leistocene derived from existing relative sea‐level curves. Ultimately, these data permitted the reconstruction of regional L ate P leistocene paleogeography. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.