Reassessing Paleolithic Subsistence: The Neandertal and Modern Human Foragers of Saint-Cesaire

This book examines the diets and foraging patterns of Neandertals and early modern humans to contribute to the debate on their biological and cultural emergence. It analyzes faunal remains from Saint-Césaire in France and genetic, anatomical, and other archaeological evidence.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 14 July 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The contribution of Neandertals to the biological and cultural emergence of early modern humans remains a subject of intense debate in anthropology. One particularly contentious issue is the long-standing belief that Neandertals in Western Europe were replaced by early modern humans who migrated out of Africa approximately 30,000 to 40,000 years ago. This book aims to contribute to this ongoing discussion by examining the diets and foraging patterns of both Neandertals and early modern humans.

Eugène Morin delves into the faunal remains discovered at Saint-Césaire in France, which boasts an exceptionally long and detailed chronological sequence. Additionally, Morin analyzes genetic, anatomical, and other archaeological evidence to shed new light on the complex issue of modern human origins.

The diets of Neandertals and early modern humans exhibit significant differences. Neandertals, who were primarily hunters and gatherers, relied on a diverse range of plant and animal resources, including wild game such as deer, boar, and bison, as well as nuts, berries, and roots. They also consumed fish and shellfish, likely through fishing and hunting. In contrast, early modern humans, who emerged around 300,000 years ago, were primarily agriculturalists. They cultivated crops such as wheat, barley, and legumes and relied on domesticated animals, such as dogs and cattle, for meat and milk.

One of the key findings of Morin's research is that Neandertals and early modern humans coexisted in Europe for a significant period. While the replacement hypothesis suggests that early modern humans completely replaced Neandertals, Morin's analysis suggests that there was a period of overlap and interbreeding between the two groups. This suggests that the biological and cultural traits of early modern humans may have been influenced by both Neandertals and other ancient populations in Europe.

Morin's book also highlights the importance of studying the diets and foraging patterns of Neandertals and early modern humans to better understand the evolution of human behavior and technology. By examining the dietary choices of these ancient populations, researchers can gain insights into the cognitive abilities and social structures that facilitated their survival and success.

In conclusion, Eugène Morin's book contributes to the ongoing debate about the contribution of Neandertals to the biological and cultural emergence of early modern humans. By examining the diets and foraging patterns of both Neandertals and early modern humans, Morin provides valuable insights into the complex issue of modern human origins. His research highlights the importance of studying the diets and foraging patterns of ancient populations to better understand the evolution of human behavior and technology.

Weight: 669g
Dimension: 254 x 178 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781009125062