Later Acheulean Hominins And Their Development Of Prepared Core Technologies In The Republic Of Azerbaijan

<p dir="ltr">The Palaeolithic record in the Republic of Azerbaijan remains under-researched, despite the region’s geographic significance as a key migration route for hominins leaving Africa and entering Europe and Asia. Azerbaijan’s position is crucial for understanding both hominin migration and technological development. Notably, one of the earliest sites outside Africa to exhibit Levallois technology is NG1 in neighbouring Armenia, dated to approximately 335 kya. Traditionally, Levallois technology was considered a hallmark of the Middle Palaeolithic. However, increasing evidence from Europe and the Caucasus suggests that its origins may lie in the Lower Palaeolithic, making it essential to understand its evolution to trace the cognitive and behavioural development of hominins into the Middle Palaeolithic.</p><p dir="ltr">This thesis investigates the development and application of Prepared Core Technology (PCT) in Azerbaijan during the Late Lower Palaeolithic, focusing on four key archaeological sites: Azykh 1 (Unit V) and three open sites in Gazakh region (Shish-guzey, Gadir-dere, and Gayaly). By analysing lithic assemblages from these sites, this study explores the emergence and evolution of PCT in Azerbaijan, particularly in relation to Acheulean traditions and broader hominin occupation in the Caucasus. The research suggests that PCT at Azykh 1 may represent a somewhat distinct developmental trajectory compared to sites like NG1, where well-developed Levallois and bifacial technologies co-occur.</p><p dir="ltr">However, the limited presence of bifaces alongside discoidal and early PCT methods at Azykh 1 points to technological continuity, possibly reflecting a gradual transition from bifacial strategies and highlighting behavioural variability within Homo heidelbergensis. Meanwhile, the Gazakh sites reflect hominins exhibiting optimised technical and behavioural traditions centred on PCT use. These findings contribute to ongoing discussions about the development and diffusion of PCT in the region and underscore the need for further excavation and precise dating to refine the chronology and deepen understanding of Azerbaijan’s role in hominin migration and technological evolution.</p>