Gudenus Cave: The Earliest Humans of Austria

Gudenus Cave is the earliest human occupation site known in Austria, and the author's 60 years of research (1962 to 2021) have clarified its stratigraphical sequence and placed its several Palaeolithic occupations chronologically. This has significant effects on our understanding of the local Palaeolithic sequence, which has been the subject of various controversies. The book shows that intensive archaeological research can reinstate the scientific importance of a site even after it has been declared bereft of all sediment.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 188 pages
Publication date: 22 December 2022
Publisher: Archaeopress

Gudenus Cave, a remarkable culmination of the author's extensive 60-year research (1962 to 2021) at the earliest human occupation site known in Austria, is a comprehensive and insightful exploration into the past. The cave, initially excavated in 1883-84 without the careful separation of sediment layers, has faced numerous challenges in elucidating its stratigraphy and dating. This book serves as a valuable guide for studying Pleistocene cave sites, even those that have been previously deemed fully excavated.

The fieldwork conducted before 1967 laid the foundation for this comprehensive study, while the subsequent utilization of analytical processes and literature review extended the reach of the research for several decades. Through meticulous examination of the cave's clear palynology and lithic typology, the volume successfully clarifies the cave's stratigraphical sequence, placing its various Palaeolithic occupations chronologically. This groundbreaking achievement has profound implications for our understanding of the local Palaeolithic sequence, which has been subject to various controversies.

In the concluding chapter, the book contextualizes Gudenus Cave within its Austrian context and then places it within the broader framework of archaeological research. It demonstrates that intensive archaeological research can breathe new life into a site that has been declared devoid of sediment, reinstating its scientific significance. Gudenus Cave stands as a testament to the enduring power of meticulous investigation and the invaluable insights it can yield, even in the most challenging of circumstances.

Weight: 690g
Dimension: 257 x 312 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781803273846