Early Upper Paleolithic surface collections from loess-like sediments in the northern Carpathian Basin

The Chronostratigraphy of the Aurignacian in the Northern Carpathian Basin Based on New Chronometric/Archeological Data from Seňa I (Eastern Slovakia)

“…At Seňa I, the grain size distribution (maximum distribution of ∼ 20-40 μm) of the sediment cover is highly similar to the pure loess sample from the well-studied reference site of Semlac, Romania (c. 200 km south; Chu et al 2018;Zeeden et al 2016a;Zeeden et al 2016b). Eolian deposition from nearby river plains is common during cold climatic periods in the vicinity of rivers at the northern edge of the Carpathian Basin (see e.g., the literature on loess around Tokaj; e.g., Sümegi and Hertelendi 1998).…”

“…Each sample was measured twice with two different concentrations of sediment in the solution to increase accuracy. Measurements with reliable obscuration (8-12%) were averaged and are previously reported and discussed in Chu et al (2018).…”

“…Thus, the main goal of our work was to reexamine the Paleolithic record of the northern Carpathian Basin. Following test pitting at multiple sites (Chu et al 2018), we present the results of a systematic excavation at the site of Seňa I that allowed us to obtain new lithic material, re-examine their stratigraphic context and acquire radiometric ages. Our results indicate the existence of the only known open-air stratified Aurignacian assemblage in the northern Carpathian Basin and establish an age consistent with chronological ages from the surrounding regions.…”

The problems of the Szeletian as seen from Hungary

“…Due to systematic field surveys carried out by amateurs and young researchers from the late 1990s onwards (Mester 2014c), a great number of open-air sites have been discovered or re-discovered on the territory of the North Hungarian Range (Gutay 2007;Markó 2009;Zandler 2012;Péntek, Zandler 2013;2014;2017;Zandler, Béres 2014;Péntek 2015a;2015b). Some of them were also excavated (Kozłowski et al 2009;2012;Chu et al 2018). Notwithstanding, no more sites with rich collections in a stratigraphic position have been uncovered so far.…”

The Paleolithic in Hungary

“…Characteristic Aurignacian lithic assemblages were reported only from open-air sites yet unexcavated in eastern Hungary, for instance Nagyréde near Mátra Mountains (Chu 2018;Chu et al 2018;Lengyel et al 2006). Typologically, the carinated endscraper, nosed endscraper, carinated burin, busked burin and retouched blades are clear characters of the Early Aurignacian.…”