Du Paléolithique moyen au Paléolithique supérieur... (8) - Jean-Jacques Hublin (2025-2026)

The lecture provides a valuable overview of the methodological complexities in dating Paleolithic art, specifically using uranium-thorium dating on calcite layers. The speaker, a geochemist, brings a rigorous scientific perspective, emphasizing the need for validation and cross-checking. She clearly explains the principles of U-Th dating, the importance of sample integrity, and the potential pitfalls, such as open-system behavior. The discussion of the Nerja Cave case study illustrates the practical application and the importance of combining multiple dating methods (U-Th and C-14) to increase confidence. The talk is well-structured, starting with the rationale for dating, then explaining the method, and finally presenting a case study. However, it is an expert opinion rather than a systematic review, and some technical details may be challenging for a general audience. The speaker acknowledges the ongoing debates and the need for further research. The content is scientifically sound, and the speaker is transparent about the limitations and uncertainties. The title accurately reflects the content, and the talk contributes to the broader discussion on the Paleolithic transition. Overall, it is a high-quality lecture that provides insights into the state of the art in dating parietal art.

The title accurately reflects the content, which is part of a colloquium on the Middle to Upper Paleolithic transition, focusing on dating parietal art.

8/10

The lecture is given by a geochemist with expertise in uranium-thorium dating, presenting methodological challenges and cross-validation efforts. The content is based on published research and ongoing collaborations, but it is an expert opinion rather than a peer-reviewed synthesis.

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

• 00:00Introduction by Jean-Jacques Hublin, presenting the speaker and the topic.
• 01:00Edwige Pons-Branchu explains why dating parietal art is important.
• 03:00Discussion of direct dating methods, including charcoal dating and the Chauvet cave controversy.
• 07:00Introduction to indirect dating using calcite layers and the uranium-thorium chronometer.
• 10:00Explanation of the U-Th dating method, including the principles of secular equilibrium and solubility.
• 13:00Discussion of the need for validation, including cross-dating with carbon-14.
• 16:00Presentation of the Nerja Cave case study and the results of dating.
• 20:00Discussion of the challenges and limitations of dating small samples.
• 24:00Conclusion and emphasis on the importance of methodological rigor.

• Collège de France - Colloquium page — Official page of the colloquium where this lecture took place.
• Jean-Jacques Hublin's chair page — Information about the chair and related resources.
• Playlist of related lectures — Playlist containing this and other lectures from the series.

• Uranium-thorium dating — General reference for the dating method discussed.
• Chauvet Cave — Example of direct dating and validation.

• No discordant sources provided — The lecture did not mention any specific discordant sources.

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