Réflexions sur la datation des deux crânes humains Apidima 1 et Apidima 2 découverts dans la cavité Apidima A, Aréopoli, péninsule du Mani, Laconie, Péloponnèse, Grèce

Abstract

The Apidima A cave, near Areópoli in the Peloponnese in Greece, has revealed two skulls of advanced Homo erectus or Anteneandertals, dated to around 170,000 years ago (isotope stage 6). They were deposited side by side, at the bottom of the cave that was accessible at the time, close to the ceiling, in a narrow diaclase less than 50 cm wide. Both have the same anatomical characteristics and belong to the same phyletic group. One, more robust than the other, was male and rested on the back of the skull, while the other, slightly more graceful, was female and rested on the face. No other human remains, or piece of lithic industry were associated with these skulls. Only three round pebbles, probably of marine origin, were found next to the skulls. They were intentionally deposited for ritual purposes.