Novel chrono-cultural constraints for the Middle Paleolithic site of Rosh Ein Mor (D15), Israel

Abstract The site of Rosh Ein Mor is constantly used as a cultural marker for the presence of “Tabun D” type industries in the Negev. A re-analysis of the lithic assemblage shows that the techno-typological characteristics fit better within the late Middle Paleolithic variability than within the early Middle Paleolithic. Using the powerful tool of U-series for dating calcite crusts on the artifacts a cluster of dates between ~70–35 ka has been obtained. Taking into consideration the central Negev highlands paleoclimate record and the geomorphological setting, this study presents valid data to suggest that Rosh Ein Mor was occupied during MIS 4 and possibly into MIS 3.