Archéosciences-Bordeaux : Matériaux, temps, Images et Sociétés

Neanderthal genomes have been recovered from sites across Eurasia, painting an increasingly complex picture of their populations' structure that mostly indicates that late European Neanderthals belonged to a single metapopulation with no significant evidence of population structure. Here, we report the discovery of a late Neanderthal individual, nicknamed "Thorin," from Grotte Mandrin in Mediterranean France, and his genome. These dentognathic fossils, including a rare example of distomolars, are associated with a rich archeological record of Neanderthal final technological traditions in this region ∼50-42 thousand years ago. Thorin's genome reveals a relatively early divergence of ∼105 ka with other late Neanderthals. Thorin belonged to a population with a small group size that showed no genetic introgression with other known late European Neanderthals, revealing some 50 ka of genetic isolation of his lineage despite them living in neighboring regions. These results have important implications for resolving competing hypotheses about causes of the disappearance of the Neanderthals.

The south Levantine mid-Middle Palaeolithic (mid-MP; ~130–80 thousand years ago (ka)) is remarkable for its exceptional evidence of human morphological variability, with contemporaneous fossils of Homo sapiens and Neanderthal-like hominins. Yet, it remains unclear whether these hominins adhered to discrete behavioural sets or whether regional-scale intergroup interactions could have homogenized mid-MP behaviour. Here we report on our discoveries at Tinshemet Cave, Israel. The site yielded articulated Homo remains in association with rich assemblages of ochre, fauna and stone tools dated to ~100 ka. Viewed from the perspective of other key regional sites of this period, our findings indicate consolidation of a uniform behavioural set in the Levantine mid-MP, consisting of similar lithic technology, an increased reliance on large-game hunting and a range of socially elaborated behaviours, comprising intentional human burial and the use of ochre in burial contexts. We suggest that the development of this behavioural uniformity is due to intensified inter-population interactions and admixture between Homo groups ~130–80 ka. The Middle Palaeolithic of southwest Asia witnessed interactions and knowledge sharing between archaic and modern humans ~130,000–80,000 years ago. These interactions led to increased behavioural complexity and consolidation of a uniform behavioural set across Homo groups in the region.

The Riparo Mochi rock shelter, located on the Ligurian coast of Italy, is one of the most important early Upper Paleolithic sites on the Mediterranean rim. Its ∼10-m-deep stratigraphy comprises a Mousterian sequence, followed by various development stages of the Upper Paleolithic. A series of radiometric dates on marine shells bearing traces of human modification has provided a chronological framework for the final Mousterian and the Proto-Aurignacian of the site. Based on modeling results, the end of the Mousterian was dated between 44.0 and 41.8 ka cal BP (68% probability) and the beginning of the Proto-Aurignacian between 42.7 and 41.6 ka cal BP (68% probability). However, these estimates were based on a limited number of radiocarbon ages in the Mousterian levels. Here, we report new dating of the Mochi sequence using luminescence techniques, along with new radiocarbon measurements. The combination of these results using a Bayesian modeling approach allows for the first time the establishment of a more precise timing for the Mousterian occupation at the site. We show that Mousterian groups were already present at Riparo Mochi by at least 65 ka and continued to occupy the site for another 20 ka. The transition to the earliest Upper Paleolithic at the site is centered around 44.3-41.1 ka (95.4% probability), providing our best age estimate for the beginning of the Early Upper Paleolithic and the establishment of modern human groups in the Balzi Rossi. The sequence continues upward with a more evolved Aurignacian phase and a Gravettian phase starting at ∼26 ka or earlier.

Abstract Evaluating synchronies between climate and cultural changes is a prerequisite for addressing the possible effect of environmental changes on human populations. Searching for synchronies during the Middle-Upper Paleolithic transition (ca. 48–36 ka) is hampered by the limits of radiocarbon dating techniques and the large chronological uncertainties affecting the archaeological and paleoclimatic records, as well by their low temporal resolution. Here, we present a high-resolution, pollen-based vegetation record from the Bay of Biscay, sea surface temperature changes, additional 14 C ages, and a new IRSL date on the fine-sediment fraction of Heinrich Stadial (HS) 6. The IRSL measurements give an age of ca. 54.0 ± 3.4 ka. The paleoclimatic results reveal a succession of rapid climatic changes during the Middle-Upper Paleolithic transition in SW France (i.e. D-O 12–8 and two distinct climatic phases during HS 4). Comparison of the new paleoclimatic record with chronologically well-constrained regional archaeological changes shows that no synchronies exist between cultural transitions and environmental changes. The disappearance of Neanderthals and the arrival of Homo sapiens in SW France encompassed a long-term forest opening, suggesting that Homo sapiens may have progressively replaced Neanderthals from D-O 10 to HS 4 through competition for the same ecological niches.

Color schemes ready for each type of data (qualitative, diverging or sequential), with colors that are distinct for all people, including color-blind readers. This package provides an implementation of Paul Tol (2018) and Fabio Crameri (2018) color schemes for use with 'graphics' or 'ggplot2'. It provides tools to simulate color-blindness and to test how well the colors of any palette are identifiable. Several scientific thematic schemes (geologic timescale, land cover, FAO soils, etc.) are also implemented.

Abstract. During the Last Glacial Period, the climate shift to cold conditions associated with changes in atmospheric circulation and vegetation cover resulted in the development of large aeolian systems in Europe. On a regional scale, many factors may have influenced dust dynamics, such as the latitudinal difference between the various aeolian systems and the variability of the sources of wind-transported particles. Therefore, the assumption that the timing of aeolian deposition is strictly synchronous in Europe does not seem to be the most plausible hypothesis and needs to be evaluated. To test this assumption, the chronology of loess deposition in different European regions was investigated by studying 93 luminescence-dated loess–palaeosol sequences with their data recalculated and compiled in a single comma separated values (*.csv) file: the ChronoLoess database. Our study shows that the two major aeolian systems, the Northern European Loess Belt (NELB) on the one hand and the systems associated with the rivers draining the Alpine Ice Sheet on the other hand, developed asynchronously. The significant deposition started at about 32 kyr b2k for the NELB vs. 42 kyr b2k for the perialpine loess and peaked about 2 millennia later for the former (21.8 vs. 23.9 kyr b2k, respectively). This shift resulted mainly from the time lag between the maxima of the Alpine and Fennoscandian ice sheets, which acted as the primary sources of fine-grained particles through glacial abrasion. The major geomorphic changes that resulted from the development and decay of the Fennoscandian and British–Irish ice sheets also played an important role. Particularly, ice sheet coalescence during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) diverted meltwater fluxes through the Channel River and provided vast amounts of glacial particles available for deflation in the western NELB. The period during which the maximum mass accumulation rate was reached for each loess–palaeosol sequence is relatively homogeneous in the NELB and ranges from 30 to 19 kyr b2k, whereas it is more scattered in the perialpine systems (>60 to 14 kyr b2k). This probably resulted from a combination of factors, including the asynchrony of maximum valley glacier advances and local geomorphic factors. The ChronoLoess database is available at https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7728616 (Bosq et al., 2023).

Cultural objects of archeological findings are often broken and fractured into a large amount of fragments, and the archeologists are confronted by 3D puzzles when reassembling the fractured objects. Scanning the fragments and reassembling the corresponding 3D objects virtually is an elegant (and sometimes the only) solution. An efficient user interaction for the complex task to orientate or position two 3D objects relative to each other is essential, eventually in addition to automatic matching techniques. In this paper, we present ArcheoTUI, a new tangible user interface for the efficient assembly of the 3D scanned fragments of fractured archeological objects. The key idea is to use tangible props for the manipulation of the vir- tual fragments. In each hand, the user manipulates an electromagnetically tracked prop, and the translations and rotations are directly mapped to the corresponding virtual fragments on the display. For each hand, a correspond- ing foot pedal is used to clutch the movements of the hands. Hence, the hands of the user can be repositioned, or the user can be switched. The software of ArcheoTUI is designed to easily change assembly hypotheses, beyond classical undo/redo, by using a scene graph. We designed ArcheoTUI on the demand of archeaologists and in a direct collaboration with them, and we con- ducted a user study on site at their workplace. This user study revealed that the interface, and especially the foot pedal, was accepted, and that all the users managed to solve simple assembly tasks. In a case study, we show the assembly of one of their fractured archeological findings.

Stained-glass windows form an important part of cultural heritage. Short pulse lasers open new opportunities for safe decontamination. In this work, and for the first time, the interaction of sub-nanosecond and femtosecond pulsed lasers with some contemporary stained-glasses has been analyzed exploring their applicability to safely clean stained-glass windows. The results show that, in these materials, damage can be induced using energy levels below damage thresholds due to the heat accumulation in the coating layer that is being eliminated. The latter generates significant thermal stresses on the glass volume, which induce crack formation. In consequence, in order to apply safe stained-glass cleaning protocols, laser parameters have to be selected to control the temperature increase within this layer. To achieve the latter goal, two alternative irradiation procedures were explored in this work. As a first option, a reduction of the effective pulse repetition frequency to values lower than 20 kHz was applied. A second alternative was used for lasers with pulse repetition rates in the hundreds of kHz. In this case, the burst mode was employed controlling the number of pulses emitted and combined with an adequate time lapse selection between two consecutive burst runs. A proof of concept demonstration was carried out on a stained-glass sample from the Cathedral of Cuenca, dated at the end of the XV century. Las vidrieras constituyen un elemento esencial de nuestro patrimonio cultural. Los láseres de pulsos ultracortos ofrecen nuevas oportunidades para desarrollar procesos de restauración seguros. En este trabajo, por primera vez, se estudia la interacción de láseres pulsados emitiendo pulsos en el rango de los subnanosegundos y femtosegundos con piezas de vidrieras contemporáneas, con el fin de explorar la posibilidad de desarrollar procesos seguros de restauración de vidrieras. Los resultados muestran que, en estos materiales, incluso trabajando con niveles de energía por debajo de los umbrales de daño, se puede generar deterioro por la acumulación de calor generada en la capa que se está eliminando, lo cual puede generar niveles de tensiones térmicas que provocan la ruptura del vidrio. Por tanto, para desarrollar protocolos de limpieza seguros, los parámetros de procesado deben escogerse de tal manera que se minimice la temperatura que se alcanza en esta capa. Se han explorado dos alternativas. Una es reducir la frecuencia de trabajo hasta valores por debajo de los 20 kHz. En el caso de láseres que trabajen a frecuencias más elevadas, la alternativa es trabajar en modo burst, limitando el número de pulsos en cada serie y estableciendo tiempos de espera entre dos series. Estas ideas se han aplicado sobre una pieza de vidriera de la Catedral de Cuenca de finales del siglo XV.

We propose an automatic framework to recover the illumination of indoor scenes based on a single RGB-D image. Unlike previous works, our method can recover spatially varying illumination without using any lighting capturing devices or HDR information. The recovered illumination can produce realistic rendering results. To model the geometry of the visible and invisible parts of scenes corresponding to the input RGB-D image, we assume that all objects shown in the image are located in a box with six faces and build a planar-based geometry model based on the input depth map. We then present a confidence-scoring based strategy to separate the light sources from the highlight areas. The positions of light sources both in and out of the camera's view are calculated based on the classification result and the recovered geometry model. Finally, an iterative procedure is proposed to calculate the colors of light sources and the materials in the scene. In addition, a data-driven method is used to set constraints on the light source intensities. Using the estimated light sources and geometry model, environment maps at different points in the scene are generated that can model the spatial variance of illumination. The experimental results demonstrate the validity and flexibility of our approach.

The late Middle Pleistocene, starting at around 300 ka, witnessed large-scale biological and cultural dynamics in hominin evolution across Africa including the onset of the Middle Stone Age that is closely associated with the evolution of our species-Homo sapiens. However, archaeological and geochronological data of its earliest appearance are scarce. Here we report on the late Middle Pleistocene sequence of Wadi Lazalim, in the Sahara of Southern Tunisia, which has yielded evidence for human occupations bracketed between ca. 300-130 ka. Wadi Lazalim contributes valuable information on the spread of early MSA technocomplexes across North Africa, that likely were an expression of large-scale diffusion processes.

Cet article présente une étude des différentes transformations diagénétiques et de leur chronologie relative intervenues en milieu météorique et affectant le calcaire de la plate-forme carbonatée Oligocène supérieur au Nord du Bassin aquitain (France), en combinant des données de cathodoluminescence (imagerie et spectroscopie haute résolution) et de microsonde de Castaing. Plus de 128 analyses ponctuelles par la microsonde électronique (WDS) et plus de 60 analyses par cathodoluminescence (CL) ont été effectuées sur les différents ciments carbonatés identifiés préalablement par les méthodes classiques de microscopie optique. En fonction de l'intensité relative des bandes CL observées (350, 380, 430, 500 et 620 nm), il a été possible de classer les ciments en trois types. Grâce à ces investigations au sein de chaque ciment météorique, ce sont des successions de phases de croissance cristalline et de dissolution que l'on a pu identifier finement, et ainsi de proposer une séquence diagénétique météorique beaucoup plus réaliste exprimant les passages cycliques de la zone vadose (non saturée) à la zone météorique d'eau douce (saturée).

Further developments in luminescence dating, dosimetry and temperature-sensing require a deep understanding of luminescence processes and their driving parameters. Natural quartz is one of the most widely used minerals for these purposes. Still, poor reproducibility of results often hampers comparability and credibility from findings in the literature. We identified the lack of suitable natural reference samples as a pivotal problem impeding significant progression. Ideally, basic investigations involve several laboratories working on well-characterised reference quartz samples with different characteristics. Investigations should include multiple complementing methods to analyse luminescence properties and mineralogical and geochemical composition. Here, we present such a multi-technique luminescence comparison of two natural quartz samples. Next to the recently introduced Fontainebleau (FB) reference quartz, we propose another reference sample derived from the ‘Silver Sands of Morar’ (lab code ‘MR’; Scotland, UK). Our experiments confirm that both quartz samples behave fundamentally different in terms of signal composition and sensitivity. The comparative characterisation of both samples targeted electron traps via thermoluminescence (TL) and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) techniques and luminescence centres via radioluminescence and time-resolved OSL spectrometry. In summary, we conclude that all observed differences are likely the results of divergent defect concentrations rather than variances in defects' composition (nature). The measurement data of our study are accessible open-access for inspection by others.

This research provides the first detailed insight into the composition of hydraulic bedding and coating mortars used in the Roman city of Hippo Regius with the aims of bringing to light the use of natural pozzolanic aggregates for mortars preparation following the legacy of Vitruvius and determining their possible sources. Nine samples of hydraulic mortars taken from different structures have been thoroughly analysed adopting a multi-analytical research strategy combining thin-section petrography, optical cathodoluminescence (CL) microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy‐dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The results indicate the use of pumice clasts with trachytic composition (SiO2: 58.9-64.4 wt.% and total alkali oxide content: 8.81–14.20 wt.%) as a pozzolanic additive to enhance the strength and hydraulicity of mortars. The comparison of petro‐mineralogical features and major element concentrations with literature data reveals the Campi Flegrei caldera (Phlegraean Fields) in the Gulf of Naples, and probably the Baia-Fondi di Baia, as possible area of provenance. This is the first proven case of trade in Phlegraean tephra as a building material to a city of Africa Proconsularis, and a new piece of evidence of the spread of Roman technologies to the southern Mediterranean region of the Roman Empire as well as the transfer of their technical expertise to local artisans of the provincial city of Hippo Regius.

Abstract Three‐dimensional (3D) imaging is now extensively used for studying ancient human and animal bones. This method has been consensually adopted by palaeoanthropologists, but its interest in palaeopathology has been challenged. The aim of this paper is to illustrate the contribution of 3D reconstructions to retrospective diagnosis in palaeopathology. We selected six palaeopathological cases among our research corpus representing three nosographic categories (trauma, infection and neoplasia) from various periods ranging from the Middle Palaeolithic to the beginning of the Modern Era. For each case, we compared the diagnostic value of plain X‐ray, computed tomography (CT) slices, and 3D reconstructions. The latter were performed using TIVMI program, a free software for research use developed by one of us. Reconstructions are obtained by surface extraction that follows a segmentation process. We showed that this 3D method allowed reconstructing/quantifying pathological processes on ancient bones, usefully supplementing conventional radiological analyses and clearly bringing an added value to retrospective diagnosis in palaeopathology.

Colorimetric measurements are valuable in studying paleoenvironmental changes in sediment archives such as loess-paleosol sequences. These measurements allow for the identification of climate-sensitive minerals such as hematite, goethite, and secondary carbonates, as well as the observation of stratigraphic changes influenced by paleoclimate variations. Herein, a detailed workflow protocol emphasizing mineral abundance extraction by determining true band amplitudes is presented. Moreover, we present a protocol for colorimetric measurements that eliminates container bias, allowing the analysis and re-analysis of stored sediment quickly and inexpensively. Finally, we introduce a new R-package ('LESLIE') for graphical data display and enhancement. The protocol and its validation are demonstrated on the Suhia Kladenetz loess-paleosol sequence of northern Bulgaria.•A detailed workflow protocol eliminating container bias in colorimetric measurements and extracting mineral abundances is presented.•The protocol is independently validated with aid of Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform mid-infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopic experiments.•Stratigraphic color enhancement using the R-package 'LESLIE' is facilitated by a user-friendly R-shiny application.

This study presents preliminary results of recent explorations at Iroungou (Gabon), a pre-colonial burial cave containing scattered skeletal remains of at least 28 men, women and children. The individuals, whose crania show cultural tooth ablation, were buried with abundant metallic objects, a combination with no known equivalent in West Central Africa.

Abstract Archaeological studies carried out in recent decades have demonstrated that the Pre‐Pyrenees, a mountain range in north‐east Iberia, were regularly frequented by several human groups during the Late Pleistocene. The Cova del Parco archaeological site is an example of this large‐scale and regular human presence. The site was discovered and first excavated in the 1970s, and since the 1980s, a team from the University of Barcelona has been conducting archaeological work. So far, we have found that the site was at least frequented from the Middle Magdalenian upon historical times. In this paper, we present the results of the archaeopetrological, geochemical and geographic information system (GIS) analyses of chert tools ascribed to the Middle Magdalenian sequence. The textural, micropalaeontological and geochemical analysis of the lithic artefacts has allowed us to identify several chert types from local, regional and long‐distance sources. Some of these cherts had their origin in the northern slopes of the Pyrenean chain, suggesting that this mountain chain was regularly crossed by Magdalenian groups. Next, we performed GIS analyses to determine the paths and connections that may have linked the archaeological site with the different chert outcrops, and to identify the best routes for crossing the Pyrenean Mountain range. Moreover, this study provides a larger vision of the mobility and the complex economic interactions between the different Magdalenian groups that settled Cova del Parco at the end of the Late Pleistocene.

Unlike developmental biologists, paleoanthropologists primarily investigate development using skeletal remains, specifically fossilized and already-formed bones and teeth. Focusing on peri- and/or postnatal growth, they reconstruct development from fragmented "snapshots" of individual trajectories at various ontogenetic stages. These constraints prompt a discussion of what defines development versus growth, and its boundaries in studies of hominin evolution. We explore how paleoanthropologists address the limitations of the fossil record by using diverse methodological and theoretical frameworks to identify developmental markers despite missing data. Finally, we discuss the potential of the "Extended Evolutionary Synthesis," which calls for a greater focus on developmental processes in interpreting phenotypic variation in the fossil record.

Our research deals with the evolution of wall surfaces in prehistoric caves. The focus of this paper is dedicated to the structural and chemical characterization of a white concretion partially covering some walls in caves. In one of the caves, a non-ornate one which became a laboratory-cave (the Leye cave at Marquay, Dordogne, France) located in the Vézère valley, a set of physical methods has been proposed and tested on the first samples taken: SEM-EDXS, cathodoluminescence and laser-based techniques such as Raman spectroscopy and Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy and LIBS. Thus two facies mainly composed of calcium carbonate crystals have been determined: moonmilk and coralloids. The identification of theses crystalline phases is the first step of an ambitious research project that plans to understand the development of unexpected layers on the cave walls of the famous ornate caves listed as part of the UNESCO cultural heritage sites. This first set of data provides good insight to the structure and the physico-chemical composition of the involved materials. Future works will be dedicated to bring knowledge about the facies chronology, the climatic conditions of environment (temperature, CO<sub>2 </sub>rate and air velocities) over a long period.

Abstract This paper aims to investigate the application of cathodoluminescence (CL) imagery (with optical microscopy) and CL spectroscopy (with Scanning Electron Microscope) in ancient ceramics studies, for a proper classification of petro-fabrics and mineral inclusions based on their CL response. Digital image analysis (DIA) routines are proposed for both qualitative and quantitative analysis, and outcomes are reviewed in the light of classical optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM–EDS) approaches. Obtained results demonstrated the suitability of CL in discriminating ceramic groups, offering also complementary information connected with aspects as provenance or manufacturing processes. CL imagery and spectroscopy data are also used to discuss perspectives of the method, debating bias, limits, or suspicious inconsistencies, exploring how compositional features or sample’s nature imprint CL response, and finally providing the basis for future developments. Addendum at the back of the paper includes and extensively discusses some technical aspects regarding the applied DIA routines, developed in open-sources software environments and available as supplementary materials.