Beccy Scott | The British Museum (original) (raw)

Books by Beccy Scott

Research paper thumbnail of The position and context of Middle Palaeolithic industries from the Ebbsfleet Valley, Kent, UK

The late Middle Pleistocene sites in the Ebbsfleet Valley, Kent, UK, have yielded archaeological ... more The late Middle Pleistocene sites in the Ebbsfleet Valley, Kent, UK, have yielded archaeological assemblages critical to understanding the early Middle Palaeolithic of northwestern Europe. Despite a long history of research, the nature and context of these assemblages are still poorly understood. This paper clarifies the stratigraphic, environmental and archaeological records at Ebbsfleet. These reflect a cold-warm-cold sequence of climatic events, preserved within part of the Taplow/ Mucking Formation of the Thames (Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 8/7/6). Levallois artefacts are shown to be restricted to the lower part of the Ebbsfleet Channel sequence (Phases I and II) and are assigned to late MIS 8/early MIS 7. This material is associated with fauna indicative of open environments during both cool and temperate conditions. Handaxe assemblages are recorded from higher up the sequence (Phases III-V), but have been redeposited from higher terrace units nearby. No primary context archaeology is apparent during these later phases of aggradation. This may indicate that humans abandoned the site once available raw material became inaccessible, and may also reflect a decline in human presence in Britain during the latter part of MIS 7.

Research paper thumbnail of Becoming Neanderthals: the Earlier British Middle Palaeolithic

It is now widely accepted that by the later Middle Palaeolithic Neanderthals possessed a wide ran... more It is now widely accepted that by the later Middle Palaeolithic Neanderthals possessed a wide range of social and practical skills. More recently, researchers have become interested in how these skills actually emerged; in effect, the challenge now is to document the process by which Middle Pleistocene hominids "became Neanderthals". This book explores the development of classically Neanderthal behaviours in Europe between MIS 9-6, focusing on the British record, especially stone tools as durable residues of human action. As a geographically constrained study area, the progressively robust British chronometric framework now allows previously invisible patterning in technological behaviour, hominid habitat preference and demography during this period to be investigated. This book examines the immense technological variation that is apparent between British sites, in order to present a picture of changing human behaviour and the emergence of European Neanderthal adaptations. 248p, 124 illus (Oxbow Books 2011)

Papers by Beccy Scott

Research paper thumbnail of The emergence of the Middle Palaeolithic in north-western Europe and its southern fringes

The nature of the LowereMiddle Palaeolithic transition has been one of the most debated questions... more The nature of the LowereMiddle Palaeolithic transition has been one of the most debated questions in early Prehistory since the mid-20th century. The root of these debates lies primarily in how early pre-historians constructed chronological models, relying heavily upon index fossils. Such models have " artificial boundaries designed to provide structure to a complex record and, rather than being conceived of as permanent or real, should be frequently examined and revised (Corbey and Roebroeks, 2001) " (Monnier, 2006). In this paper, we will not focus our efforts on issues relating to nomenclature and systems of classification. Instead, we will focus on a time frame within which rapid behavioural and technological changes have been documented: the period between MIS 9 to 6. Working on a large scale, and taking account of all of northwestern Europe and its southern fringes, a group of researchers working on the main sites from this period propose an assessment of current research on the emergence of the " Middle Palaeolithic ". Using a rich corpus of archaeological sites, we discuss how humans occupied northwestern Europe and its southern margins between MIS 9 to 6, focusing particularly on questions of taphonomy, conservation, chronology and environment, as well as reviewing the pattern of technological change within lithic assemblages. This overview of current

Research paper thumbnail of The emergence of the Middle Palaeolithic in north-western Europe and its southern fringes

The nature of the LowereMiddle Palaeolithic transition has been one of the most debated questions... more The nature of the LowereMiddle Palaeolithic transition has been one of the most debated questions in early Prehistory since the mid-20th century. The root of these debates lies primarily in how early pre-historians constructed chronological models, relying heavily upon index fossils. Such models have " artificial boundaries designed to provide structure to a complex record and, rather than being conceived of as permanent or real, should be frequently examined and revised (Corbey and Roebroeks, 2001) " (Monnier, 2006). In this paper, we will not focus our efforts on issues relating to nomenclature and systems of classification. Instead, we will focus on a time frame within which rapid behavioural and technological changes have been documented: the period between MIS 9 to 6. Working on a large scale, and taking account of all of northwestern Europe and its southern fringes, a group of researchers working on the main sites from this period propose an assessment of current research on the emergence of the " Middle Palaeolithic ". Using a rich corpus of archaeological sites, we discuss how humans occupied northwestern Europe and its southern margins between MIS 9 to 6, focusing particularly on questions of taphonomy, conservation, chronology and environment, as well as reviewing the pattern of technological change within lithic assemblages. This overview of current research into the emergence of the Middle Palaeolithic will help to define future research paths and advance our understanding of this key period of human evolution.

Research paper thumbnail of Behaviour and process in the formation of the North European Acheulean record: Towards a Unified Palaeolithic Landscape Approach

Quaternary International, 2016

Research paper thumbnail of Technology and Landscape Use in the Early Middle Palaeolithic of the Thames Valley

Ashton N Lewis S Stringer C the Ancient Human Occupation of Britain London Elsevier Pp 67 89 Developments in Quaternary Science Vol 14, 2011

This chapter re-examines key assemblages from the Thames Valley which can confidently be assigned... more This chapter re-examines key assemblages from the Thames Valley which can confidently be assigned to the early Middle Palaeolithic (Marine Isotope Stages 8–6). The assemblages are characterised in terms of human activity at each place, in order to understand patterns of adaptation, technological practice, demography and landscape use in different parts of the Thames catchment. Contrasts are apparent between the

Research paper thumbnail of Rethinking Human Responses to Sea-level Rise: The Mesolithic Occupation of the Channel Islands

Proceedings of the Prehistoric Society, 2016

Research paper thumbnail of Discoveries from La Manche: Five Years of Early Prehistoric Research in the Channel Island of Jersey

Since 2010 a new field project drawn from major UK institutions including the UCL Institute of Ar... more Since 2010 a new field project drawn from major UK institutions including the UCL Institute of Archaeology, has focused research on the Palaeolithic and Mesolithic record of the Channel Island of Jersey. In this retrospective of five years of research the history of the project to date, its focus on the Middle Palaeolithic site of La Cotte de St Brelade and its growth into an international research team is charted. The formation of the La Manche Prehistorique research network in 2015 marks a new chapter in the development of this project. With its wider focus, but continued commitment to research in the Channel Islands, the research group are working towards a unified early prehistoric research framework for the English Channel region.

Research paper thumbnail of Neanderthals behavingLaura Niven. The Palaeolithic Occupation of Vogelherd Cave: Implications for the Subsistence Behavior of Late Neanderthals and early Modern Humans (Tübingen Publications in Prehistory). vi$+$314 pages, 84 illustrations, 61 tables. 2006. Tübingen: Kerns; 3-935751-04-4 hardback...

Research paper thumbnail of The Early Middle Palaeolithic of Britain; Origins, Technology and Landscape

Research paper thumbnail of Kentish Evidence of the Palaeolithic and Mesolithic Periods

Research paper thumbnail of Pleistocene Human Occupation and the Formation of the Landscape in South Eastern England

Research paper thumbnail of Late Neanderthal occupation in North‐

Journal of Quaternary Science

In 2011, a programme of field research was undertaken to effect the stabilization of an unstable ... more In 2011, a programme of field research was undertaken to effect the stabilization of an unstable section in the West Ravine at the key Neanderthal occupation site of La Cotte de St Brelade on the Channel Island of Jersey. As part of this essential remedial work the threatened section was analysed to characterize its archaeological and palaeoenvironmental potential as well provide optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dates. The work determined, through two concordant OSL dating programmes, that the section formed part of an extensive sequence of sedimentation spanning >105 to

Research paper thumbnail of The British Middle Palaeolithic

Quaternary International, 2015

Research paper thumbnail of Book reviews. Thomas Wynn & Frederick L. Coolidge. How to think like a Neanderthal. xii+210 pages, 13 illustrations. 2012. Oxford: Oxford University Press; 978-0-19-974282-0 hardback £ 16.99

Research paper thumbnail of Technology and Landscape Use in the Early Middle Palaeolithic of the Thames Valley

Developments in Quaternary Sciences, 2011

This chapter re-examines key assemblages from the Thames Valley which can confidently be assigned... more This chapter re-examines key assemblages from the Thames Valley which can confidently be assigned to the early Middle Palaeolithic (Marine Isotope Stages 8–6). The assemblages are characterised in terms of human activity at each place, in order to understand patterns of adaptation, technological practice, demography and landscape use in different parts of the Thames catchment. Contrasts are apparent between the

Research paper thumbnail of Quaternary Environments and Archaeology of Jersey: A New Multidisciplinary project looking at the early prehistoric occupation of the English Channel Region

This paper presents a summary of the first season of fieldwork and archive assessment undertaken ... more This paper presents a summary of the first season of fieldwork and archive assessment undertaken in 2010 as part of the Quaternary Archaeology and Environments of Jersey Project. The principle aim of the project is to provide a reassessment of the early prehistoric record of Jersey, through targeted sampling and key-hole excavation of poorly understood find spots, as well as a major reassessment of La Cotte de St Brelade. This paper presents the successful results of two weeks of intensive fieldwork at three localities ...

Research paper thumbnail of Chronology of the Lower and Middle Palaeolithic in NW Europe: developer-funded investigations at Dunbridge, Hampshire, southern England

This paper reports important findings relating to the chronology of Palaeolithic occupation, arte... more This paper reports important findings relating to the chronology of Palaeolithic occupation, artefact
typology and Quaternary fluvial deposits from a geoarchaeological watching brief undertaken over 17
years at Kimbridge Farm Quarry, Dunbridge, Hampshire. Sections were recorded and sampled and 198
artefacts, principally hand axes, were collected, with the primary aim of enhancing understanding of the
geological context of the richest Lower Palaeolithic assemblage from Hampshire. Digital terrain
modelling was used to characterize the three-dimensional form of the fluvial geology. Two gravel
terraces have been confirmed: an upper Belbin Formation, which contained most of the archaeological
artefacts, and a lower Mottisfont Formation. Results of specific note included recovery of artefacts
demonstrating elements of ‘proto-Levallois’ technology from within the Belbin Gravel deposition. Fully
developed Levallois technology was present across both the Belbin Gravel and the Mottisfont Formation
at Dunbridge, the latter having an otherwise relatively sparse Palaeolithic content. Previously published
OSL dating, supplemented by new data, has been combined with uplift modelling to suggest dates of MIS
9b and MIS 8, respectively, for these two gravels. This fits well with evidence from other sites in England
and the near Continent for the timing of the earliest Levallois at around MIS 9. The results from the
Dunbridge watching brief have demonstrated that this response provides a relatively cost effective
method by which important scientific data can be salvaged from commercial quarrying.

Research paper thumbnail of Rapid Communication Late Neanderthal occupation in North-West Europe: rediscovery, investigation and dating of a last glacial sediment sequence at the site of La Cotte de Saint Brelade, Jersey

Research paper thumbnail of Digital preservation and dissemination of ancient lithic technology with modern micro-CT

Flaked stone tools were first made and used by early humans from at least 2.6 mya. By analysing t... more Flaked stone tools were first made and used by early humans from at least 2.6 mya. By analysing
temporal, geographical and species-specific variations in tool morphology scientists attempt to
understand the evolution of cognition, culture and human behaviour. However, the dispersal of
artefact collections around the globe in a large number of institutions makes direct study and
comparison of the artefacts problematic, and therefore dependant on published drawings and
photographs. The present study aims to determine whether CT could be used to create computerised
(‘‘virtual’’) artefacts, and data shared with scientists and the public. In particular this study assesses
whether CT would be cost effective and capture the fine surface topology created by the knapping
process. Scanning could cost as little as h2 per flake. It was found that micro-CT could produce accurate
high-resolution ‘‘virtual’’ artefacts that resolve features greater than 50 mm. Importantly, it was possible
to visualise the key features of percussion, which distinguish intentionally made flakes from natural
breakage. Furthermore, it was possible to recreate missing flakes (or parts thereof) from refitted groups
of material by visualising void spaces. Hence it is possible to obtain a better understanding of the
knapping process and obtain a glimpse of the flakes that were actually used as tools. The virtual flint
artefacts are completely interactive and can be manipulated, viewed, measured and analysed as though
they were in the hand and more useful to researchers than 2D drawings or photographs. The models are
only 20 MB in size and can easily be distributed online, widening access to collections and access to
physical specimens could be replaced with rapid stereotypes (3D prints). In addition, micro-CT imaging
technology may give rise to new online ‘‘Virtual Museums’’ where digital data are shared widely and
freely around the world, but the original material is conserved in mint condition, only to be removed for
new or improved non-destructive imaging techniques.

Research paper thumbnail of The position and context of Middle Palaeolithic industries from the Ebbsfleet Valley, Kent, UK

The late Middle Pleistocene sites in the Ebbsfleet Valley, Kent, UK, have yielded archaeological ... more The late Middle Pleistocene sites in the Ebbsfleet Valley, Kent, UK, have yielded archaeological assemblages critical to understanding the early Middle Palaeolithic of northwestern Europe. Despite a long history of research, the nature and context of these assemblages are still poorly understood. This paper clarifies the stratigraphic, environmental and archaeological records at Ebbsfleet. These reflect a cold-warm-cold sequence of climatic events, preserved within part of the Taplow/ Mucking Formation of the Thames (Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 8/7/6). Levallois artefacts are shown to be restricted to the lower part of the Ebbsfleet Channel sequence (Phases I and II) and are assigned to late MIS 8/early MIS 7. This material is associated with fauna indicative of open environments during both cool and temperate conditions. Handaxe assemblages are recorded from higher up the sequence (Phases III-V), but have been redeposited from higher terrace units nearby. No primary context archaeology is apparent during these later phases of aggradation. This may indicate that humans abandoned the site once available raw material became inaccessible, and may also reflect a decline in human presence in Britain during the latter part of MIS 7.

Research paper thumbnail of Becoming Neanderthals: the Earlier British Middle Palaeolithic

It is now widely accepted that by the later Middle Palaeolithic Neanderthals possessed a wide ran... more It is now widely accepted that by the later Middle Palaeolithic Neanderthals possessed a wide range of social and practical skills. More recently, researchers have become interested in how these skills actually emerged; in effect, the challenge now is to document the process by which Middle Pleistocene hominids "became Neanderthals". This book explores the development of classically Neanderthal behaviours in Europe between MIS 9-6, focusing on the British record, especially stone tools as durable residues of human action. As a geographically constrained study area, the progressively robust British chronometric framework now allows previously invisible patterning in technological behaviour, hominid habitat preference and demography during this period to be investigated. This book examines the immense technological variation that is apparent between British sites, in order to present a picture of changing human behaviour and the emergence of European Neanderthal adaptations. 248p, 124 illus (Oxbow Books 2011)

Research paper thumbnail of The emergence of the Middle Palaeolithic in north-western Europe and its southern fringes

The nature of the LowereMiddle Palaeolithic transition has been one of the most debated questions... more The nature of the LowereMiddle Palaeolithic transition has been one of the most debated questions in early Prehistory since the mid-20th century. The root of these debates lies primarily in how early pre-historians constructed chronological models, relying heavily upon index fossils. Such models have " artificial boundaries designed to provide structure to a complex record and, rather than being conceived of as permanent or real, should be frequently examined and revised (Corbey and Roebroeks, 2001) " (Monnier, 2006). In this paper, we will not focus our efforts on issues relating to nomenclature and systems of classification. Instead, we will focus on a time frame within which rapid behavioural and technological changes have been documented: the period between MIS 9 to 6. Working on a large scale, and taking account of all of northwestern Europe and its southern fringes, a group of researchers working on the main sites from this period propose an assessment of current research on the emergence of the " Middle Palaeolithic ". Using a rich corpus of archaeological sites, we discuss how humans occupied northwestern Europe and its southern margins between MIS 9 to 6, focusing particularly on questions of taphonomy, conservation, chronology and environment, as well as reviewing the pattern of technological change within lithic assemblages. This overview of current

Research paper thumbnail of The emergence of the Middle Palaeolithic in north-western Europe and its southern fringes

The nature of the LowereMiddle Palaeolithic transition has been one of the most debated questions... more The nature of the LowereMiddle Palaeolithic transition has been one of the most debated questions in early Prehistory since the mid-20th century. The root of these debates lies primarily in how early pre-historians constructed chronological models, relying heavily upon index fossils. Such models have " artificial boundaries designed to provide structure to a complex record and, rather than being conceived of as permanent or real, should be frequently examined and revised (Corbey and Roebroeks, 2001) " (Monnier, 2006). In this paper, we will not focus our efforts on issues relating to nomenclature and systems of classification. Instead, we will focus on a time frame within which rapid behavioural and technological changes have been documented: the period between MIS 9 to 6. Working on a large scale, and taking account of all of northwestern Europe and its southern fringes, a group of researchers working on the main sites from this period propose an assessment of current research on the emergence of the " Middle Palaeolithic ". Using a rich corpus of archaeological sites, we discuss how humans occupied northwestern Europe and its southern margins between MIS 9 to 6, focusing particularly on questions of taphonomy, conservation, chronology and environment, as well as reviewing the pattern of technological change within lithic assemblages. This overview of current research into the emergence of the Middle Palaeolithic will help to define future research paths and advance our understanding of this key period of human evolution.

Research paper thumbnail of Behaviour and process in the formation of the North European Acheulean record: Towards a Unified Palaeolithic Landscape Approach

Quaternary International, 2016

Research paper thumbnail of Technology and Landscape Use in the Early Middle Palaeolithic of the Thames Valley

Ashton N Lewis S Stringer C the Ancient Human Occupation of Britain London Elsevier Pp 67 89 Developments in Quaternary Science Vol 14, 2011

This chapter re-examines key assemblages from the Thames Valley which can confidently be assigned... more This chapter re-examines key assemblages from the Thames Valley which can confidently be assigned to the early Middle Palaeolithic (Marine Isotope Stages 8–6). The assemblages are characterised in terms of human activity at each place, in order to understand patterns of adaptation, technological practice, demography and landscape use in different parts of the Thames catchment. Contrasts are apparent between the

Research paper thumbnail of Rethinking Human Responses to Sea-level Rise: The Mesolithic Occupation of the Channel Islands

Proceedings of the Prehistoric Society, 2016

Research paper thumbnail of Discoveries from La Manche: Five Years of Early Prehistoric Research in the Channel Island of Jersey

Since 2010 a new field project drawn from major UK institutions including the UCL Institute of Ar... more Since 2010 a new field project drawn from major UK institutions including the UCL Institute of Archaeology, has focused research on the Palaeolithic and Mesolithic record of the Channel Island of Jersey. In this retrospective of five years of research the history of the project to date, its focus on the Middle Palaeolithic site of La Cotte de St Brelade and its growth into an international research team is charted. The formation of the La Manche Prehistorique research network in 2015 marks a new chapter in the development of this project. With its wider focus, but continued commitment to research in the Channel Islands, the research group are working towards a unified early prehistoric research framework for the English Channel region.

Research paper thumbnail of Neanderthals behavingLaura Niven. The Palaeolithic Occupation of Vogelherd Cave: Implications for the Subsistence Behavior of Late Neanderthals and early Modern Humans (Tübingen Publications in Prehistory). vi$+$314 pages, 84 illustrations, 61 tables. 2006. Tübingen: Kerns; 3-935751-04-4 hardback...

Research paper thumbnail of The Early Middle Palaeolithic of Britain; Origins, Technology and Landscape

Research paper thumbnail of Kentish Evidence of the Palaeolithic and Mesolithic Periods

Research paper thumbnail of Pleistocene Human Occupation and the Formation of the Landscape in South Eastern England

Research paper thumbnail of Late Neanderthal occupation in North‐

Journal of Quaternary Science

In 2011, a programme of field research was undertaken to effect the stabilization of an unstable ... more In 2011, a programme of field research was undertaken to effect the stabilization of an unstable section in the West Ravine at the key Neanderthal occupation site of La Cotte de St Brelade on the Channel Island of Jersey. As part of this essential remedial work the threatened section was analysed to characterize its archaeological and palaeoenvironmental potential as well provide optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dates. The work determined, through two concordant OSL dating programmes, that the section formed part of an extensive sequence of sedimentation spanning >105 to

Research paper thumbnail of The British Middle Palaeolithic

Quaternary International, 2015

Research paper thumbnail of Book reviews. Thomas Wynn & Frederick L. Coolidge. How to think like a Neanderthal. xii+210 pages, 13 illustrations. 2012. Oxford: Oxford University Press; 978-0-19-974282-0 hardback £ 16.99

Research paper thumbnail of Technology and Landscape Use in the Early Middle Palaeolithic of the Thames Valley

Developments in Quaternary Sciences, 2011

This chapter re-examines key assemblages from the Thames Valley which can confidently be assigned... more This chapter re-examines key assemblages from the Thames Valley which can confidently be assigned to the early Middle Palaeolithic (Marine Isotope Stages 8–6). The assemblages are characterised in terms of human activity at each place, in order to understand patterns of adaptation, technological practice, demography and landscape use in different parts of the Thames catchment. Contrasts are apparent between the

Research paper thumbnail of Quaternary Environments and Archaeology of Jersey: A New Multidisciplinary project looking at the early prehistoric occupation of the English Channel Region

This paper presents a summary of the first season of fieldwork and archive assessment undertaken ... more This paper presents a summary of the first season of fieldwork and archive assessment undertaken in 2010 as part of the Quaternary Archaeology and Environments of Jersey Project. The principle aim of the project is to provide a reassessment of the early prehistoric record of Jersey, through targeted sampling and key-hole excavation of poorly understood find spots, as well as a major reassessment of La Cotte de St Brelade. This paper presents the successful results of two weeks of intensive fieldwork at three localities ...

Research paper thumbnail of Chronology of the Lower and Middle Palaeolithic in NW Europe: developer-funded investigations at Dunbridge, Hampshire, southern England

This paper reports important findings relating to the chronology of Palaeolithic occupation, arte... more This paper reports important findings relating to the chronology of Palaeolithic occupation, artefact
typology and Quaternary fluvial deposits from a geoarchaeological watching brief undertaken over 17
years at Kimbridge Farm Quarry, Dunbridge, Hampshire. Sections were recorded and sampled and 198
artefacts, principally hand axes, were collected, with the primary aim of enhancing understanding of the
geological context of the richest Lower Palaeolithic assemblage from Hampshire. Digital terrain
modelling was used to characterize the three-dimensional form of the fluvial geology. Two gravel
terraces have been confirmed: an upper Belbin Formation, which contained most of the archaeological
artefacts, and a lower Mottisfont Formation. Results of specific note included recovery of artefacts
demonstrating elements of ‘proto-Levallois’ technology from within the Belbin Gravel deposition. Fully
developed Levallois technology was present across both the Belbin Gravel and the Mottisfont Formation
at Dunbridge, the latter having an otherwise relatively sparse Palaeolithic content. Previously published
OSL dating, supplemented by new data, has been combined with uplift modelling to suggest dates of MIS
9b and MIS 8, respectively, for these two gravels. This fits well with evidence from other sites in England
and the near Continent for the timing of the earliest Levallois at around MIS 9. The results from the
Dunbridge watching brief have demonstrated that this response provides a relatively cost effective
method by which important scientific data can be salvaged from commercial quarrying.

Research paper thumbnail of Rapid Communication Late Neanderthal occupation in North-West Europe: rediscovery, investigation and dating of a last glacial sediment sequence at the site of La Cotte de Saint Brelade, Jersey

Research paper thumbnail of Digital preservation and dissemination of ancient lithic technology with modern micro-CT

Flaked stone tools were first made and used by early humans from at least 2.6 mya. By analysing t... more Flaked stone tools were first made and used by early humans from at least 2.6 mya. By analysing
temporal, geographical and species-specific variations in tool morphology scientists attempt to
understand the evolution of cognition, culture and human behaviour. However, the dispersal of
artefact collections around the globe in a large number of institutions makes direct study and
comparison of the artefacts problematic, and therefore dependant on published drawings and
photographs. The present study aims to determine whether CT could be used to create computerised
(‘‘virtual’’) artefacts, and data shared with scientists and the public. In particular this study assesses
whether CT would be cost effective and capture the fine surface topology created by the knapping
process. Scanning could cost as little as h2 per flake. It was found that micro-CT could produce accurate
high-resolution ‘‘virtual’’ artefacts that resolve features greater than 50 mm. Importantly, it was possible
to visualise the key features of percussion, which distinguish intentionally made flakes from natural
breakage. Furthermore, it was possible to recreate missing flakes (or parts thereof) from refitted groups
of material by visualising void spaces. Hence it is possible to obtain a better understanding of the
knapping process and obtain a glimpse of the flakes that were actually used as tools. The virtual flint
artefacts are completely interactive and can be manipulated, viewed, measured and analysed as though
they were in the hand and more useful to researchers than 2D drawings or photographs. The models are
only 20 MB in size and can easily be distributed online, widening access to collections and access to
physical specimens could be replaced with rapid stereotypes (3D prints). In addition, micro-CT imaging
technology may give rise to new online ‘‘Virtual Museums’’ where digital data are shared widely and
freely around the world, but the original material is conserved in mint condition, only to be removed for
new or improved non-destructive imaging techniques.

Research paper thumbnail of The Early Middle Palaeolithic: The European Context

This chapter explores the regional context of Early Middle Palaeolithic Britain as the northweste... more This chapter explores the regional context of Early Middle
Palaeolithic Britain as the northwesternmost edge of the
European landmass between Marine Isotope Stages (MIS)
8 and 6. During this period, Levallois flaking became
favoured as a problem-solving strategy in northwest Europe,
and handaxes were not routinely manufactured in most
areas. Here we explore the relationships between the British
and mainland European records, in order to consider how
and why Levallois flaking became so widely practised in
northwest Europe at this time. We consider the environmental
succession of MIS 8–6 and its likely impact upon human
behaviour, concentrating on age-constrained archaeological
assemblages from the ‘northwest region’ of Europe which
have some indications of local environment. These data
are used to investigate patterns of human habitat preference,
colonisation and abandonment in relation to environmental
and palaeogeographic change, and technological practice.

Research paper thumbnail of Technology and landuse in the early Middle Palaeolithic of the Thames valley (B. Scott, N. Ashton, S. Lewis, S. Parfitt, and M. White)

This chapter re-examines key assemblages from the Thames Valley which can confidently be assigned... more This chapter re-examines key assemblages from the
Thames Valley which can confidently be assigned to
the early Middle Palaeolithic (Marine Isotope Stages
8–6). The assemblages are characterised in terms of
human activity at each place, in order to understand
patterns of adaptation, technological practice, demography
and landscape use in different parts of the Thames
catchment. Contrasts are apparent between the Middle
and Lower Thames in terms of available raw material
and site location, technological strategies and curation
practices, which require consideration when constructing
demographic models for Britain during this period.