The Neanderthal Remains from Dederiyeh Cave, Syria: Interim Report

Abstract

Dederiyeh No. 2, a large cave site in northwestern Syria, was chosen for excavation after an extensive reconnaissance survey in the Afrin region in 1987 under the Syrian-Japan joint expedition. The cave is about 60km NW of Aleppo, the second largest city of Syria. The preliminary excavations of 1989 and 1990 uncovered a number of fragmentary human remains as well as rich lithic and faunal assemblages. The lithic industries of the cave are composed of two distinct assemblages. One was assigned to the Natufian class, and was found in the test excavation area. The other was assigned to the Levantine Middle Paleolithic, because of its large proportion of Levallois type cores and flakes. It was found in the main excavation area. The left humerus of a young infant was found in situ in the Levantine Middle Paleolithic context. Several adult bones and teeth, although found in secondary position in the main excavation area, appeared on anatomical grounds to be Neanderthals.