The timing and spatiotemporal patterning of Neanderthal disappearance

Area of Science:

• Palaeoanthropology
• Archaeology
• Radiocarbon Dating

Background:

• Understanding Neanderthal disappearance and overlap with anatomically modern humans (AMHs) is crucial for palaeoanthropology.
• Previous radiocarbon dating limitations (around 50,000 years) hindered precise spatiotemporal analyses.
• Key questions involve the processes, timing, and reasons for Neanderthal extinction and potential interactions with AMHs.

Observation:

• Improved accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) 14C techniques were applied to 40 Mousterian and Neanderthal archaeological sites across Eurasia.
• Bayesian age modeling was employed to establish robust chronologies and determine latest appearance dates.
• The study analyzed the timing of the end of the Mousterian and associated transitional industries, like the Châtelperronian.

Findings:

• The Mousterian industry ended between 41,030 and 39,260 calibrated years BP across Europe.
• Neanderthal disappearance varied regionally, not occurring simultaneously.
• A significant temporal overlap between Neanderthals and the earliest AMHs (Uluzzian technocomplex) in Europe ranged from 2,600 to 5,400 years.

Implications:

• The extended overlap suggests ample opportunity for cultural, symbolic, and genetic exchange between Neanderthals and AMHs.
• This challenges models of rapid replacement and supports a more complex interaction scenario.
• The findings provide crucial data for understanding the Middle to Upper Palaeolithic transition in Europe and the eventual replacement of Neanderthals.