Lutz Kindler - Böcker

This volume critically examines the evolution and impact of the "Man the Hunter" paradigm in Pleistocene archaeology. Originally proposed in the 1960s, this framework positioned hunting as the primary driver of human evolution, shaping tool development, social structures, and cognitive abilities. While recent findings, such as those at Schöningen (Germany), have reignited debates about early human hunting capabilities, contemporary research emphasizes a more nuanced understanding of prehistoric life, including diverse subsistence strategies and social roles. The volume brings together contributions that explore various aspects of early human behavior, from hunting and butchery practices to fire use and gender roles, highlighting the complex interplay between biological and cultural evolution. This collection offers fresh perspectives on one of archaeology's most enduring theoretical frameworks.

Multidisciplinary research on the Early-Middle Pleistocene site of Gesher Benot Ya‘aqov has yielded abundant climatic, environmental, ecological and behavioral records. The 15 archaeological horizons form a sequence of Acheulian occupational episodes on the shore of the paleo-Lake Hula. These enable us to reconstruct numerous aspects of the survival and adaptation of ancient hominins, leading to a better understanding of their evolution and behavior. This book presents the faunal analyses of medium-sized and large mammals, providing taxonomic, taphonomic and actualistic data for the largest faunal assemblages. The study of modes of animal exploitation reveals valuable information on hominin behavior.