Du Paléolithique moyen au Paléolithique supérieur... (3) - Jean-Jacques Hublin (2025-2026)

The lecture provides a valuable overview of recent research on the Middle to Upper Paleolithic transition in East Asia, a region often underrepresented in discussions dominated by European evidence. Zwyns effectively synthesizes archaeological and genetic data to argue for an early presence of Homo sapiens in Siberia and Mongolia, with the IUP representing a significant cultural marker. The presentation is well-structured, starting with broad geographical and environmental context, then narrowing to specific sites and artifacts. The use of maps and images helps convey the spatial and temporal scale of the phenomena. The argumentation is cautious and acknowledges uncertainties, such as the lack of Middle Paleolithic antecedents in Mongolia and the preservation biases affecting bone tools. The speaker also appropriately notes the ongoing debates about the origin of Homo sapiens in Asia, which adds to the intellectual rigor. However, the lecture is relatively short (30 minutes) and cannot delve into all methodological details, such as dating techniques or lithic analysis protocols. The sources cited are primarily the speaker’s own research and general references to the Collège de France, but specific publications are not mentioned in the description. The title accurately reflects the content, and the lecture is accessible to an informed audience without being overly technical. Overall, this is a high-quality presentation that contributes to understanding the complexities of human dispersal and cultural change in Asia.

The title accurately reflects the content, which focuses on the Middle to Upper Paleolithic transition in East Asia, specifically the initial Upper Paleolithic in Mongolia and Siberia.

8/10

The lecture is given by a recognized researcher (Nicolas Zwyns, PACEA, University of Bordeaux) in the context of a prestigious institution (Collège de France). The content is based on recent archaeological and genetic data, with references to specific sites and fossils. The presentation is nuanced and acknowledges uncertainties, which enhances its credibility. However, as a conference talk, it lacks the detailed methodological transparency of a peer-reviewed publication.

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

• 00:00Introduction by Jean-Jacques Hublin, presenting Nicolas Zwyns and his work in Mongolia and Siberia.
• 02:00Zwyns begins his talk, highlighting the vastness of Asia and its population distribution.
• 05:00Discussion of the two main dispersal routes (northern and southern) and the environmental barriers.
• 08:00Presentation of key fossils: Ust'-Ishim and Tianyuan, dating to 45,000 and 40,000 years ago.
• 10:00Introduction to the Tolbor-16 site in Mongolia and its IUP sequence.
• 12:00Description of the lithic technology, emphasizing blade production and Levallois-like points.
• 14:00Comparison with bone tools from the Baikal region, suggesting a broader cultural complex.
• 16:00Genetic evidence showing connections between early IUP populations and present-day East Asians.
• 18:00Discussion of the complexity of the transition and the need for higher-resolution archaeological records.
• 20:00Conclusion and thanks to the audience.

• Collège de France - Colloque page — Official page of the symposium where this lecture was given.
• Jean-Jacques Hublin's chair page — Page for the Paleoanthropology chair, providing context for the lecture series.
• Collège de France main website — General resource for lectures and research at the Collège de France.

• Collège de France - Colloque page — The lecture is part of a symposium that brings together experts on the transition, aligning with current research.

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