Chronology and Periodization of Upper Paleolithic Sites in Mongolia*

A tripartite chronological framework for the Mongolian Upper Paleolithic is proposed, based on stratified site materials and new radiocarbon dates from Tolbor-4 and 15 localities. The Early Upper Paleolithic (40–26 ka BP) spans both Khangai Mountains and Gobi Altai regions, while the second period, beginning around 25 ka BP, is uniquely associated with sites in the Orkhon Valley. The third period coincides with the end of the Upper Paleolithic, represented by Horizons 3 and 4 at Tolbor-15 in the middle Selenge Valley. This study refines our understanding of temporal and spatial patterns in Mongolian Paleolithic cultures, leveraging archaeological stratigraphy and radiocarbon dating to define distinct phases.

Gladyshev, S. A., Olsen, J. W., Tabarev, A. V., & Kuzmin, Y. V. (2010). CHRONOLOGY AND PERIODIZATION OF UPPER PALEOLITHIC SITES IN MONGOLIA*. Archaeology, Ethnology and Anthropology of Eurasia, 38(3), 33–40. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aeae.2010.10.003