A multi-layered archaeological site has been uncovered in Tajikistan's Zarbshan Valley, providing rare evidence of early human settlement in the region, and may shed light on the meeting between Homo sapiens, Neanderthals and Denisovans
The Central Asian region is an important crossroads in human development, but until now it was considered a white spot on the map of prehistoric research. A new study conducted by Prof. Yossi Zeidner from the Institute of Archeology at the Hebrew University, in collaboration with Dr. Shroff Kurbanov from the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan, has revealed a multi-layered archaeological site in the Zarbshan Valley in central Tajikistan. The site, known as Sui Habezk, provides rare evidence to ancient human settlement in the area. It served man as a central artery for expansion and settlement even in much earlier times - 150-20 years before his time, a time when several human types lived in the area. The question of who those people are, and what is the nature of the relationship between them, was at the heart of this study," explains Prof. Zeidner.
The research included surveys to discover sites, archaeological excavations at the discovered sites and a careful analysis of the findings. The researchers excavated three areas at the site and discovered several layers of human activity with rich remains of stone tools, animal bones and remains of ancient vegetation. Among the sites was Sui Habezek, which was discovered during a survey in a mountainous and difficult to access area. The findings date to different periods of the Middle and Upper Stone Ages about 150-20 thousand years ago. The good preservation of the bones and organic materials allows for the reconstruction of the ancient climate in the area and teaches about the potential for the discovery of human remains that will make it possible to identify which species or species of human lived in the area.
"The site contains multiple layers of human activity, which allows us to track changes in human behavior over time," explains Prof. Zeidner, adding: "This is critical information for understanding human development in the region. In addition, the location of the site in the mountain corridor of Central Asia suggests its role possible as an important transition point for ancient human populations."
The findings at the Sui Habez site may change our understanding of the spread of man in Central Asia and beyond. "We hope that continued research at the site will provide us with insights into the possible interactions between different human groups that inhabited the area in ancient times, such as modern man, the Neanderthal and the Denisovan," Prof. Zeidner concludes. "This is an important step in understanding ancient human history in the region and in strengthening international scientific ties." The research is expected to continue in the coming years, with the researchers planning further excavations and in-depth tests of the findings. The results of the research may change our understanding of human development and its spread in Central Asia and beyond.
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