Luminescence dating relevant to human origins

Abstract

Luminescence dating provided the first direct and independent evidence that anatomically modern humans had a presence in western Asia earlier than is consistent with the ‘regional continuity’ model. The reliability of the result concerned, 92 ( ± 5) ka for burnt flints from Qafzeh Cave, is excellent and consistent with isochron analysis of the data. Flint dating has also confirmed palaeoenvironm ental indications that the M ousterian industry in Europe was present som ewhat earlier than the 100 ka limit previously accepted. Burnt quartz and unburnt sediment have also been important in Palaeolithic dating and the latter has a particularly high potential.