Palaeolithic Investigations at Klithi: Preliminary Results of the 1984 and 1985 Field Seasons

Abstract

Field-work in 1984 and 1985 centred on the Klithi rockshelter has combined excavation and analysis of finds with palaeoenvironmental and palaeogeographical studies of the wider regional setting. Radiocarbon dates show that the deposits so far excavated extend from 10,000 BP to 17,000 BP. Excavations have concentrated on the uppermost levels (10,000 BP to 12,500 BP) immediately accessible below the surface, in order to develop methods for investigating spatial variation in the distribution of materials in the deposit. They have revealed a large hearth area in the back of the shelter as a major focus of activity. New details of the flint industry and faunal remains are presented, along with preliminary indications of spatial patterning. There is evidence for the performance of a wide range of subsistence activities based on locally available resources as well as evidence, in the form of exotic flint and marine shells, for contacts over a wide area. Palaeogeographical methods of analysis based on field mapping of geology, relief and terrain have been developed to define the distribution and density of the main herbivores under Pleniglacial conditions. Both the evidence from excavation and from these wider palaeogeographical studies emphasize the small scale of human activities, the small size of residential groups, and the likelihood of seasonal movements and social contacts over very extensive territories during the Upper Palaeolithic period.

Asprochaliko and Kokkinopilos: TL Dating and Reinterpretation of Middle Palaeolithic Sites in Epirus, North-West Greece

“…In 1979, investigation of the Epirus Palaeolithic began anew , and has continued to the present. Much of the attention in this second phase of fieldwork has focused on excavations at the late Upper Palaeolithic rockshelter of Klithi (Bailey et al 1984;1986). These excavations have, however, been accompanied by wider archaeological and palaeoenvironmental survey in the region, and by renewed study and reinterpretation of the Higgs excavations (Bailey 1992;in prep).…”

Active tectonics and land-use strategies: a Palaeolithic example from northwest Greece

“…Investigation of the Palaeolithic archaeology of the Epirus region of northwest Greece over the past 30 years has been accompanied by an unusual emphasis on off-site archaeology and the reconstruction of local and regional palaeo-landscapes (Bailey 1992;Bailey & Gamble 1990;Bailey et al 1983a;1986a;Dakaris e t al. 1964;Higgs 1978;Higgs & Vita-Finzi 1966;Higgs et al 1967;Higgs & Webley 1971;King & Bailey 1985;Sturdy & Webley 1988;VitaFinzi 1978).…”

“…Ibex is at least as common in the Upper Palaeolithic levels at Asprochaliko as red deer (Bailey et al 1983b); bovids and equids appear well represented at Grava (Sordinas 1969) and at Kastritsa; the large faunal collection from Klithi is dominated by remains of ibex and chamois (Bailey et al 1986a), and suids are present in low frequency at several sites. In view of the environmental constraints discussed above, we think it likely that all these species would have made seasonal migratory movements of some degree, with deer and equids travelling over the longest distances, pig the shortest, and ibex and chamois shifting altitudinal range over relatively restricted distances.…”

“…The western arm would have formed a similar large-scale enclosure of limestone plateaux, with optimal conditions for use in winter, enhanced by extensive areas of swampy ground in large basins like the area of the Gulf of Arta, where scrub and shrub vegetation would have provided important winter browse for deer and cattle, and insect infestation in summer would have powerfully stimulated seasonal herd dispersal. Some of the water-retentive soils could also have been important areas of summer grazing, and it is possible that this western coastal region formed an annual system of animal movements and economy at least partially independent of the eastern arm of the horseshoe (Bailey et al 1986a). The eastern arm, however, would not have been viable without the complementary winter grazing of areas near the coast.…”

“…The faunal remains suggest a very effective exploitation, with the introduction of whole carcasses into the site (Bailey et al 1986a). In addition the occurrence of isolated deer bones associated with artefacts i n the neighbouring rock-shelter of Megalakkos and at the mouth of the nearby plain suggests that the area may also have been important i n monitoring deer movements at the extreme of their summer range to the west.…”