Taxonomic, taphonomical and geochemical study of the Late Pleistocene faunal bone assemblages from Melitzia Cave, Mani peninsula, Greece
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Date
2023-09-28
Authors
Τζώρτζη, Μαριάνθη
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Abstract
The present thesis focuses on reconstructing the ecological dynamics of the Upper Pleistocene in Greece. The study concentrates on analysing macrofaunal remains from Melitzia Cave in Mani Peninsula. Greece's geographical significance as a potential crossroads between Africa and Eurasia, coupled with favourable climatic conditions during glacial periods, contributed to its habitation by hominins. The research aims to dissect the ecological context of the time by examining the macrofaunal assemblage from Melitzia Cave, utilizing diverse techniques.
The sediment deposits within the cave, organized into seven stratigraphic units, span a timespan from 45,500±947.5 BP to 10,915±235 BP. This chronological sequence offers a valuable opportunity to explore shifts in environmental conditions and the intricate interactions between humans and the surrounding ecosystem.
While the Palaeolithic period in Greece remains relatively understudied compared to later historical phases, the rich archaeological record of the Mani Peninsula, characterised by numerous cave sites and hominid presence, makes it an ideal research location. Melitzia Cave, situated on Oitylo Bay, provides evidence of hominin occupation during specific time intervals. This research aims to thoroughly categorise, analyse taphonomy, and reconstruct paleoenvironments.
The research methodology employs systematic palaeontology for species identification and taphonomical analysis to understand bone modifications and accumulation processes. Additionally, stable isotope analysis of tooth enamel is employed to infer dietary habits and mobility patterns. By integrating these methodologies, we seek to paint a comprehensive picture of the ecological context, the human-environment interactions, and the preservation conditions that prevailed during the Upper Pleistocene in Greece.
The identified dominant species, including red deer (Cervus elaphus), fallow deer (Dama dama), alpine ibex (Capra ibex), and partridge (Alectoris graeca), suggest adaptability to temperate and rocky habitats. The presence of larger carnivore species in the lowermost units (I, II, and III), along with the absence of human traces and the reverse trend in the uppermost units, potentially reflects the intricate interplay between humans and carnivores, both sharing the same ecological niche. Evidence of human presence is evident across the uppermost units of Melitzia Cave through recovered lithic artifacts. The cave was utilized for various activities, exhibiting varying intensities over time. Units VIa and VIb showcase a denser concentration of lithics, and faunal remains compared to lower units. The assemblage predominantly consists of artiodactyls, typical of butchery sites. Although not monospecific, all artiodactyls are present in varying concentrations among units. This diversity aligns with kill-butchering sites observed during the Middle Palaeolithic in Europe.
The avifauna is well-represented, reflecting a trend towards hunting smaller, swifter game during the Upper Palaeolithic. Skeletal remains in the cave exhibit signs of human-induced bone modifications, with minimal evidence of carnivore damage. The data suggests that human predation played a primal role in shaping the assemblage, primarily involving meat and marrow extraction. However, due to the scarcity of skeletal remains in some units, identifying the responsible agent (human or non-human predator) poses challenges. Human-induced bone modifications become more conspicuous in Unit V, characterised by abundant percussion marks. Unit VI showcases extensive human contribution through remains dominated by ungulates, displaying butchery marks, burning traces, and percussion marks. Larger artiodactyls, mainly C. elaphus, dominate this unit. The presence of skeletal elements with low food utility suggests a hunting stand or primary butchery location, with high-utility parts possibly transported elsewhere.
The reconstruction of palaeoenvironmental and palaeoclimatic conditions around the cave during the Last Glacial Maximum, using stable isotope analysis on teeth of the three most abundant ruminant taxa, confirms the presence of a refugium. The study indicates prevailing arid conditions and open canopy vegetation, mirroring modern conditions. Seasonal shifts in δ18O values point to fluctuations in humidity and aridity, with stable climate seasonality observed throughout the Melitzia Cave sedimentary sequence. Slightly increased aridity is noted during the Younger Dryas. The strontium isotope ratios of enamel in three ruminant taxa suggest a local origin, with potential movement between similar areas. The higher strontium ratios of Taygetos mountain in the northeast indicate limited migration southeast.
Geochemical analysis of bones from the cave indicates modifications in apatite structure. Discrepancies in mineral composition and crystallinity index (CI) are observed across units, with lower units showing higher CI values. FTIR spectra reveal variations in characteristic bands, including a band at 1087 cm-1 linked to fluoride ions and diagenesis. Bands at 1020 cm-1 and 1030 cm-1 correspond to nonstoichiometric and stoichiometric apatite, respectively, with the latter dominating in older samples. Lower units' samples display higher diagenetic modification, supported by CI values and FTIR characteristics.
In summary, the multidisciplinary investigation of the macrofaunal remains in Melitzia Cave not only enhances our understanding of past ecosystems but also illuminates the intricate interaction between humans and their environment during the Upper Pleistocene. Consistent habitation patterns in this region imply that the relatively stable local environment supported prolonged human presence. This study underscores the importance of the Mani Peninsula and its caves as fertile grounds for exploring the complexities of prehistoric human existence and their ecological contexts as well.
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Keywords
Pleistocene, Upper Palaeolithic, Mani Penninsula