Lithic Raw Materials Used in the Middle Paleolithic Kalamakia Cave, Greece: Characterization and Provenance

ABSTRACT This study characterizes the lithic raw materials used for knapping Middle Paleolithic artifacts at Kalamakia Cave on the Mani Peninsula, southern Greece, to identify potential procurement areas and to determine their sources. To this end, macroscopic, petrographic, and geochemical analyses were conducted. Exploited lithic raw materials included chert (black/gray, dark reddish brown, reddish), andesite (aphyric green, porphyritic purple, porphyritic green), calcite, quartzite, quartz (milky and rock crystal), and crystalline limestone. The semi-local black/gray chert was most commonly used, followed by allochthonous andesite. The method used distinguished cherts from various sources and attributed archaeological artifacts accordingly. Multiple lithic raw material deposits have been located, suggesting potential procurement areas for Paleolithic groups visiting the Mani Peninsula. The findings established a regional database of lithic raw materials and their sources. Future research in lithic raw material provenance of other Middle Paleolithic sites is crucial for understanding Neanderthal behavior and adaptation in this region.