Footholds for Peopling the Valley of the Middle Reaches of the Selenga River in the Early Upper Paleolithic

A new analysis of Upper Paleolithic sites in the Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape reveals that high-elevation locations (50–85 m above river level) likely served as strategic footholds for ancient populations, combining functions such as raw material sources, observation posts, logistical nodes, and habitation areas. Unlike lower-lying sites (10–40 m), these higher sites facilitated movement between major tributaries—Khaniy-Gol, Egijn-Gol, and Ikh-Tulberiin-Gol—while also offering access to hunting grounds in the Kharganyn-Gol valley. The study used cluster analysis of 52 sites based on elevation and distance from water, along with cost surface modeling to assess energy expenditure for movement, confirming the transit role of the Tolbor valley and its connectivity to adjacent regions.

Marchenko, D. V., Khatsenovich, A. M., & Rybin, E. P. (2026). Footholds for Peopling the Valley of the Middle Reaches of the Selenga River in the Early Upper Paleolithic. Problems of Archaeology, Ethnography, Anthropology of Siberia and Neighboring Territories, 32(1), 115–123. https://doi.org/10.17746/2658-6193.2026.32.1.115-123