Home – Home – Jornals – Humanitarian sciences in Siberia 2019 number

Studying the process of the modern human formation at the Eurasian ecumene has always been relevant during all periods of the Stone Age history research. The article contains results of recent studies of a Mid Palaeolithic complex of Darvagchai-Zaliv-1 site, materials of which are crucial for understanding the development of this vast cultural-chronological range for the northeast Caucasus. In 2012-2014, Darvagchai-Zaliv-1 site excavations were carried out in the upper terraced ledge slope, where the monument is situated. Lithological paleosol studies including archaeological materials allowed us to include this complex in the general regional paleogeographic picture. The chronological period of the ancient man living in the region is determined by the Riss-Wurm interglacial oxygen-isotope stage 5e. The stone industry is characterized with Levalloi technology of knapping and tools typical of Mid Palaeolith. The presence of focal spots accompanied with the archaeological material dispersion over wide area indicate multiple visits by ancient man to the third Caspian terrace. Based on the available data, the authors conclude that, despite a significant number of well-known mid-Palaeolithic sites in the Caucasus and a large technical and typological diversity within their groups, direct analogies among them with the Middle Palaeolithic materials of the Gedzhukh reservoir valley are currently not possible to trace. This may be due to incomplete representation of Dagestan industries, as well as to cultural diversity that existed at that time in the region, which does not exclude the possibility of the original Mid Palaeolithic culture’s presence in this territory.