Timing of Neanderthal occupations in the southeastern margins of the Massif Central (France): A multi-method approach

The middle Rhône valley, located at the southeastern margins of Massif Central in France, produced a large number Middle Palaeolithic sites, most which dated to and Late Pleistocene. Due its position, connecting northern Europe Mediterranean basin, this corridor surrounding plateaus are particular interest study human cultural evolution, including emergence technology around 300,000 years ago variability over time, as well subsistence mobility strategies Neanderthals. In last 20 years, several research projects undertaken region allowed revise key sequences. This work aims synthesising previous new chronological data obtained by using uranium-series speleothems bones, infrared stimulated luminescence feldspar electron spin resonance tooth enamel quartz. We review ages area present 43 that discussed together propose reliable spatiotemporal framework for Neanderthal occupations. focus on major sites region: Payre, Ranc-Pointu 2, Baume Flandin, Abri du Maras, Grotte des Barasses II, Pêcheurs, Figuier de Saint-Marcel. They all provided significant information related biological behavioural evolution populations right bank valley. here updated chronology area, ranging from ca. 40,000 ago.