The Middle to Upper Paleolithic Transition in Greece: Current Evidence and New Data

ABSTRACT The Middle to Upper Paleolithic transition in Eurasia is a major issue of the human-evolution research agenda, constituting a critical period of change in both paleoanthropological and cultural terms. Key to this research theme are the so-called transitional lithic industries, which can shed light on the nature and kind of transition(s). Since Greece constitutes a geographical crossroads of human and cultural circulation, it is a promising area for the study and understanding of the discussed chronological vector. This article reviews the current evidence for the presence and features of the Middle to Upper Paleolithic transitional lithic industries in Greece and introduces new data derived from the excavation of Kolominitsa Cave, southern Peloponnese. This new evidence extends our knowledge about the period in southeastern Europe and offers a new dimension to related research.