Introduction: Current Relevance and Future Potential of South-eastern Europe in Palaeolithic Research

Abstract

Abstract The Balkan Peninsula has acted as a crossroads between Asia and Europe throughout human history. Different waves of prehistoric human migration passed through this territory over time (Homo erectus, Homo heidelbergensis, Homo neanderthalensis, Homo sapiens, early farmers…). Probably this important role boosted the early archaeological explorations in the area, and, perhaps, is still behind the recent ‘blossoming’ of research projects and key discoveries. Nevertheless, South-eastern Europe was more than a mere ‘corridor’ for some prehistoric groups, who made this area their home. The exceptional nature of a number of sites and discoveries points to this fact. In this introduction, we summarise the history of Palaeolithic research from the early discoveries in the 19th century to the latest breakthroughs. The latest developments and the archaeological potential of this territory anticipate a promising future for Early Prehistoric research in South-eastern Europe.