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Dryad

MtDNA genomes from Ranis individuals aligned with previously published ancient & modern humans

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Oct 31, 2023 version files 1.45 MB

Abstract

The Middle to Upper Palaeolithic transition in Europe is associated with the regional disappearance of Neanderthals and the spread of Homo sapiens. Archaeological evidence indicates the presence of technocomplexes at the interface of this transition, complicating our understanding of the period and the association of those with specific hominin groups. One such technocomplex where the maker is unknown is the Lincombian-Ranisian-Jerzmanowician (LRJ), which covers an area in northwestern and central Europe from the UK to Poland. This paper presents the morphological and proteomic species identification, mitochondrial DNA analysis, and direct radiocarbon dating of human remains directly associated to an LRJ assemblage at the cave site of Ilsenhöhle in Ranis (Germany).