The repeated replacement model reexamined – Methodological considerations and dataset improvements

Summary

Five years ago a general explanation model was introduced regarding the observed dynamics during the Upper Paleolithic timeframe on the Iberian Peninsular. In doing so, a scenario of repeated replacements of human groups was established, reflected by fluctuations within the radiocarbon chronology and changes within the archaeological record. Incorporated into the "Adaptive Cycle Model", this model assumes a strong relationship between the constant changes of stadial-interstadial environmental conditions and the trend of human resilience to, especially external, stressors. In doing so, the recurring rapid shifts from interstadial to stadial conditions can be understood in the context of a release phases. Only on that account could the soon-succeeding second release impact, the climate deterioration during Heinrich Stadials, have affected the abandoning of the Cycle, i.e., a "breakdown of the meta- population". Accordingly, the resilience threshold was reached by an environmental "double-punch".

After several years of intensive research in the fields of Upper Palaeolithic research we will test the key assumptions of the model a second time, incorporating the enhanced radiocarbon chronology, new site data and improved palaeoenvironmental models. In doing so, we will reexamine the theoretical considerations, as well as the implications derived from the enhanced archaeological and paleoenvironmental datasets.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 82nd Annual Meeting, Vancouver, BC (2017)   •
• Upper Paleolithic Transitional "Moments" on the Iberian Peninsula

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Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 17111