Distribution of cultural remains along the horizons of the Rozhok I site: reconstruction of hunting strategy and settlement structures

The Rozhok I is a unique site of the Middle Paleolithic of the Southern Russian Plain. Its scientific potential as an object of archaeological heritage and the archaeological collections collected by N.D. Praslov in 1961-1962 is multifaceted. This publication provides detailed information on the spatial distribution of cultural remains in the horizons of the site, and reconstructions of settlement. horizons (cultural layers) varies. Their significant areas were destroyed by marine coastal abrasion before the excavation began. In ancient times, slope processes also took place leading to the destruction of significant areas with cultural remains. Based on the detailed characteristics of the faunal remains, including «bone debitage», it was possible to assume that the site inhabitants specialized in hunting large and medium-sized herd ungulates, and to identify the structural elements of the cultural layer associated with the processing of hunting products. The characteristics of the distribution of animal skeletal parts indicate that they were slaughtered in the vicinity of the site. While the main object of hunting was Bison priscus, Equus hydruntinus, and Megaloceros are also represented by single bones. It is demonstrated that the degree of processing of animal carcasses was different, probably depending on the hunting season. The first model of their disposal is associated with the primary cutting, partial consumption of meat, tongue and bone marrow from tubular bones. The second model reflects deeper recycling, with the consumption of the brain. Probably, the sacro-lumbar segments of the bison carcasses were carried away from the site. The organization of the production of stone tools at the settlement has been traced. Most of the flint tools are concentrated within the place near open campfire, which are usually designated as «kitchen areas». The frequency of tools in the stone industry is high. During the settlement of the site, the ancient relief of the coast was successfully used — a low cliff served as a natural barrier from the wind. The cultural remains of the lower layers of the site are stretched along this natural boundary. This type of spatial distribution of cultural remains differs from the reference structures of sites with a pronounced center and periphery.