PALAEOLITHIC

The Palaeolithic is the oldest and most prolonged period of human history, presenting a challenge for researchers due to its great age, the nature of the settlement of mobile communities, and the taphonomy of the sites. Palaeolithic research is currently focused on identifying new open-air and cave sites to better understand communities’ economy, social organisation and mobility in this early period on the territory of Serbia and the entire Balkans.
Using a variety of methods, researchers are uncovering important insights into the Palaeolithic way of life. By analysing lithic artifacts and applying the scientific methods of stratigraphy and absolute chronology, researchers are developing a better understanding of subsistence strategies, technological advancements, exchange networks and the overall culture during this period in this region. Through the examination of open-air and cave sites, researchers have been able to reconstruct how people interacted with the environment in order to obtain resources for their subsistence.
Previous research has included excavations at the sites of Smolućka cave and Kremenac, and a survey of areas in the vicinity of Sokobanja and Mount Rudnik. In addition, material culture studies that include numerous Balkan sites dated to this period are currently in progress.