Du Paléolithique moyen au Paléolithique supérieur... (1) - Jean-Jacques Hublin (2025-2026)

This lecture by Jean-Jacques Hublin, a prominent paleoanthropologist and professor at the Collège de France, provides a comprehensive and nuanced introduction to the Middle-to-Upper Paleolithic transition. The talk is well-structured, beginning with a broad overview of hominin diversity and the Out of Africa model, then delving into the historical development of ideas, and finally posing critical questions for the colloquium. Hublin’s expertise is evident in his ability to synthesize complex genetic, archaeological, and paleontological evidence into a coherent narrative. He correctly emphasizes that the replacement of Neanderthals by modern humans was not a simple, linear event but involved multiple dispersals and limited interbreeding, as supported by ancient DNA studies. The discussion of transitional industries, such as the Châtelperronian, highlights the ongoing debates about their makers and the nature of cultural change. Hublin’s critique of the multiregional model is well-founded, and he effectively explains how genetic data have transformed our understanding. The lecture is scientifically rigorous, with appropriate caveats about uncertainties and debates. The sources cited are primarily his own work and the colloquium’s context, but the content aligns with current scientific consensus. The title accurately reflects the content, and the talk serves as an excellent introduction for both specialists and informed laypeople. The only minor weakness is that, as an introductory talk, it does not delve deeply into specific data or methods, but this is appropriate for the setting. Overall, this is a high-quality, authoritative presentation that successfully frames the key issues in the study of this pivotal period in human evolution.

The title accurately reflects the content: the first part of a colloquium on the Middle to Upper Paleolithic transition, presented by Jean-Jacques Hublin.

9/10

Lecture by a leading paleoanthropologist at Collège de France, based on decades of research and current scientific consensus. The content is well-structured, references ongoing debates, and is delivered in an academic setting. Minor caveat: it is an introductory talk, not a peer-reviewed publication.

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

• 00:00Introduction and welcome to the colloquium, outlining the program and thanking participants.
• 02:00Overview of hominin diversity in Africa and Eurasia before the transition, including Neanderthals and Denisovans.
• 05:00Discussion of the Out of Africa model and multiple dispersals of Homo sapiens.
• 10:00Historical perspective: dominance of multiregional evolution models until the 1980s.
• 15:00Impact of paleogenetics in overturning multiregionalism and supporting replacement with gene flow.
• 20:00Introduction of transitional industries like the Châtelperronian and their role in debates.
• 25:00Key questions posed for the colloquium: nature of the transition, makers of transitional industries, and regional variability.

• Colloquium page: Du Paléolithique moyen au Paléolithique supérieur : la transition en question — Official page for the colloquium, providing program and context.
• Jean-Jacques Hublin's chair page at Collège de France — Information about Hublin's professorship and related resources.
• Playlist of Hublin's lectures — YouTube playlist containing related lectures by Hublin.

• Collège de France official website — Institutional source confirming the academic context and credibility.

• Multiregional evolution model — Contrasting hypothesis that Hublin critiques, though it is now largely superseded.

• www.fondation-cdf.fr
• fr.linkedin.com
• www.threads.net