Abstract
A preliminary geochemical examination of materials from the archaeological sequence at Medzhibozh A reveals evidence of the use of fire. Irregular, dark ochre, ashy circles that look like the remains of hearths were unearthed in 2012 and 2013 in the uppermost artifact-bearing layer associated with episode zv-1 of the Zavadovka stratigraphic layer (Holsteinian MIS 11). We present the methodology, results, and interpretation of a geochemical study of these remains to determine whether they are natural or anthropogenic. The main conclusion is that we are dealing with hearths which, at the moment, are the oldest probable remains of controlled fireplaces in Ukraine.
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Acknowledgments
Medzhibozh A archaeological projects were funded as part of state research program 0109U008921 (2010–2014) of the Stone Age Dept of IA NASU, by the State Fund for Fundamental Research, Ukraine 0113U004362 (F53.5/005-2013).
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Dmytruk, Y., Stepanchuk, V. (2017). Pedo-geochemical Assessment of a Holsteinian Occupation Site. In: Dent, D., Dmytruk, Y. (eds) Soil Science Working for a Living . Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-45417-7_6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-45417-7_6
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