Předmostí after 110 Years

Abstract

The Middle and Upper Paleolithic site of Předmosí (Czech Republic) is located at the southern entrance of the Moravian Gate, which is an important communication route in Central Europe. During 110 years of investigation, this site has yielded an immense number of artifacts, paleontological materials, human fossils, and art. Important parts of the archaeological and anthropological material were destroyed in 1945, but the illustrations are published in several monographs. Lack of contextual data led various researchers to different reconstructions of the original stratigraphy and occupation sequence.

As a part of a current research project devoted to the study of larger Upper Paleolithic (Gravettian) sites in Moravia, new excavations were undertaken in 19897–1992. Two Middle Paleolithic and one Gravettian layer were found, mostly in redeposited positions. On the basis of previous data and typological reexamination, a horizon of scarce Acheulian finds at the base and another, younger Gravettian horizon at the top have been recognized. The locations of sites in the area suggest that there was regular passage through the Moravian Gate during most of the Upper Pleistocene, but excavations at Předmostí confirm occupations especially during more temperate climatic stages.