New 40Ar/39Ar, stratigraphic and palaeoclimatic data on the Isernia La Pineta Lower Palaeolithic site, Molise, Italy

摘要: Abstract The archaeological deposits of Isernia la Pineta are a milestone in the European context, being composed very rich and large-sized occupation layers. remains characterised by use anvils opportunistic rapid way to produce large number flakes residual cores, usually small size. lithic instruments associated with mammals, which give clear indication diet. They represented Bison schoetensacki Freudenberg, Stephanorhinus hundsheimensis Toula, Elephas (Palaeoloxodon) namadicus Falconer e Cautley, Ursus deningeri von Reichenau, Hippopotamus cf. antiquus Desmarest, Sus scrofa L., Hemitragus bonali Harle Stehlin, Megaceroides solilhacus Robert, Cervus elaphus acoronatus Beninde, Dama dama clactoniana Falconer, Capreolus sp., Panthera leo fossilis Reichenau. rodent fauna is Clethrionomys Pliomys episcopalis Mehely, lenki Heller, Microtus aff. arvalis Pallas, brecciensis Gieber, (Terricola) gr. multiplex-subterraneus, Arvicola cantiana Hinton. insectivores Talpa Sorex runtonensis Hinton, Crocidura sp. Two main layers have been identified. lower one (Sector I, layer 3C) rests on phytoclastic travertine passing laterally phytohermal travertine, generated step watercourse. A sandy silt lacustrine environment (layer 3b) deposited inside pools limited phytostromatolitic sediments cover this layer. second 3a) these as well travertines. Cross-bedded fine gravelly sands interlayered tuffs pyroxene sanidine. latter gave 40Ar/39Ar ages 610±10 606±2 ka (2σ error). This covered cross-bedded gravels weathered thick Alfisols well-expressed Bt horizon. uppermost part series colluvia containing another pyroclastic Sanidines yield scattered Ar/Ar ages, population at about 504±14 ka. maximum age 474±3 ka inferred for travertines not hot water springs indicate that area was frequented end an Interglacial period. new demonstrate human frequentation occurred beginning Middle Pleistocene.