A taphonomic and spatial distribution study of the new levels of the middle Pleistocene site of Notarchirico (670–695 ka, Venosa, Basilicata, Italy)

New excavations in the lower part of the sequence dated between 670 and 695 ka by Ar-40/Ar-39 and ESR-U-Th at Notarchirico revealed layers with lithic and bone remains attesting several phases of human occupations. Some of these occupations are located at the top of residual pebble/cobble lags along former water channels, while others are more disturbed. All the layers yield faunal and lithic remains. Here, we aim to discuss the interpretative limits of traces of hominin occupations in such Early Palaeolithic sites through a multidisciplinary approach focusing on depositional and post-depositional processes in sedimentary units applied on the micro/macro-mammal remains, artefacts (surfaces, micro-wear traces), and spatial distribution of the archaeological material. These data are then compared with those from M. Piperno's previous excavations in the upper part of the sequence (610-670 ka). As is often the case in open-air deposits and wetland environments, the majority of the bone surface modifications are related to natural abrasion caused by trampling and water flow. By contrast, the lithic material provides more relevant results both on taphonomic processes before and after the hominin occupations and function of the site. Despite the strong impact of post-depositional processes on archaeological material, evidence of hominin activities can nonetheless be inferred, shedding light on early hominin occupations of western Europe at the MIS 17/MIS 16 transition. The discussion takes penecontemporaneous open-air sites into consideration.