Du Paléolithique moyen au Paléolithique supérieur... (2) - Jean-Jacques Hublin (2025-2026)

The presentation by Tsenka Tsanova is a rigorous and well-structured synthesis of current research on the Middle to Upper Paleolithic transition, with a particular focus on the site of Bacho Kiro. Tsanova, a recognized specialist in lithic technology, provides a detailed account of the technological characteristics of various industries (e.g., Bachokirian, Bohunician, Szeletian) and their chronological and geographical distribution. The argumentation is solid, grounded in extensive excavation data and recent genetic evidence, which has revolutionized our understanding of these industries. The presentation clearly distinguishes between hypotheses and established facts, acknowledging ongoing debates, such as the attribution of the Szeletian. The use of ancient DNA from Bacho Kiro and other sites provides definitive proof that some ’transitional’ industries were made by modern humans, overturning earlier assumptions of Neanderthal acculturation. The quality of sources is high, as the speaker references her own work and that of her collaborators, published in peer-reviewed journals. The title accurately reflects the content, which is a detailed examination of the transition. The presentation is aimed at an academic audience, but the speaker manages to make complex concepts accessible without oversimplifying. The main strength is the integration of multiple lines of evidence—archaeological, chronological, and genetic—to propose a nuanced model of human dispersal. However, some interpretations remain speculative, such as the exact relationships between different industries, and the speaker acknowledges these uncertainties. Overall, this is a valuable contribution to the field, offering a comprehensive overview of the state of knowledge and highlighting the importance of key sites like Bacho Kiro.

The title accurately reflects the content, which focuses on the Middle to Upper Paleolithic transition, with a specific case study from Bacho Kiro.

8/10

The presentation is given by a leading researcher in the field, based on extensive excavation data and published genetic and archaeological evidence. The content is consistent with current scientific consensus, though some interpretations remain debated.

Markers derived by PSI from the transcript: the creator did not define chapters.

• 00:00Introduction by Jean-Jacques Hublin, presenting Tsenka Tsanova and her role in the Bacho Kiro project.
• 01:00Tsanova outlines the two major dispersal waves of Homo sapiens into Europe.
• 05:00Discussion of the Initial Upper Paleolithic (IUP) and its association with the first wave.
• 10:00Explanation of 'transitional industries' and their historical interpretation.
• 15:00Presentation of the Bacho Kiro site and its significance as a 'key site' for the IUP.
• 20:00History of excavations at Bacho Kiro, from Dorothy Garrod to recent work.
• 25:00Recent findings from Bacho Kiro, including fossils, DNA, and lithic assemblages.
• 30:00Discussion of the chronological and climatic context, including Heinrich events and the Campanian Ignimbrite eruption.
• 35:00Conclusions and implications for understanding modern human dispersal.

• Collège de France - Colloque: Du Paléolithique moyen au Paléolithique supérieur — Official page of the colloquium where this presentation was given.
• Chaire Paléoanthropologie - Jean-Jacques Hublin — Chair of Paleoanthropology at the Collège de France, directed by Jean-Jacques Hublin.
• Playlist of the colloquium — YouTube playlist containing recordings of the colloquium.

• Hublin et al. 2020, Nature — Peer-reviewed article presenting the initial Upper Paleolithic in Europe and the Bacho Kiro fossils.

• Debates on the Szeletian attribution — Some researchers still debate whether the Szeletian was made by Neanderthals or modern humans, as mentioned in the presentation.

• www.college-de-france.fr
• www.fondation-cdf.fr
• fr.linkedin.com
• www.threads.net