Upper Palaeolithic layers and Campanian Ignimbrite/Y-5 tephra in Toplitsa cave, Northern Bulgaria

摘要: Abstract This paper reports the preliminary results of two test pit excavations in Toplitsa cave Northern Bulgaria and discusses potential for future investigations Pleistocene layers associated with Marine Isotope Stage 3 transitional Middle to Upper Palaeolithic period. We describe lithostratigraphic layers, archaeological finds features attributable Palaeolithic. The chrono-cultural interpretation early geoarchaeological deposit at is based on identification Campanian Ignimbrite/Y-5 (CI) tephra, radiocarbon dates technological assessment a small lithic artefact assemblage comparison regional Initial (IUP) technologies. cave, located Eastern Balkans (Northern Bulgaria), was excavated 2011 main goal investigating deposits encompassing transition from Two pits (TP) were excavated: TP I, incorporating four interior II, six established closer entrance. Both TPs generally poor remains which impacted attribution layers. Moreover, some spots Holocene faunal likely intruded into older In consequence, chronological investigation has been focused applying both tephrochronology dating deposits. present stratigraphy report large amounts glass shards belonging CI eruption (ca. 39,000 years old (ka BP)) II Layers 2 3, below there well preserved hearth. fire-pit carved Layer 5 (TP II) underlying Y-5 tephra most significant find. Ursus spelaeus teeth have dated 49,770–45,750 calibrated years before (cal BP; 95.4% probability) 48,210–45,050 cal BP (95.4% probability). lithics found are technologically consistent or possibly other assemblages. overlaps chronologically records. These include final leaf points Musselievo (estimated ca. 50–45 ka cal BP), Temnata Cave VI (trench covered by than 39 ka earliest laminar (i.e. IUP) 4 47.6 40.5 ka cal IUP Bacho Kiro J I (dating 46.0–43.3 ka cal BP) Kozarnika 6/7 (dated 49.1–44.0 ka cal BP).