Explorations of the lower paleolithic period in Jordan : the Abu el Khas site

Abstract

This thesis describes the results, analysis and interpretations of archaeological fieldwork carried out at the Abu el Khas site, North Jordan.

The site area and history is described, and a brief summary of Lower and Middle Paleolithic research in the Levant is given. Site environment, .including climate, geology, soils, water resources, botany, zoology and land-use is examined prior to the discussion of fieldwork methods and results. The bulk of the thesis is a detailed analysis of the artefact samples obtained by the various sampling strategies. Two periods of site use are established. This is supported by statistical testing of the significance of variation of technological features in the two artefact groups. Artefact densities and distribution patterns are examined to derive information about the respective depositional events.

Geological information of the local stratigraphic sequence is fundamental to the dating of the site. Taken together with comparative analysis between Abu el Khas and other Levantine sites (Ubeidiya, Latamne and Jordanian sites), an early Middle Pleistocene.(Lower Acheulian) and Middle Pleistocene (Late Acheulian) age for the two Abu el Khas assemblages is suggested.

Studies of Pleistocene paleoenvironments are briefly reviewed, and geological, botanical, and pedological evidence from the site is integrated in an attempt to reconstruct the prehistory and paleoenvironment of the Tabaqat Fah 1 region during the Middle Pleistocene period.

In the final chapter, a number of problems in the interpret­ ation of the Abu el Khas site are noted. The conclusions of this research are presented and suggestions regarding further Paleolithic research in Jordan are offered. Show more