The Upper Paleolithic site of Dodekatym-2 in Uzbekistan

Upper Paleolithic sites in the northern part of Western Central Asia are few, and their distribution is irregular. Most have no cultural layer. The scarcity of sites and fi nds is usually explained by depopulation in the 40–25 ka BP time range. Results of fi eld work conducted by expeditions from the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography SB RAS in Uzbekistan since 1998 suggest that even an arid climate did not prevent humans from settling in the piedmonts and at middle altitudes. Findings of fi ve-year-long excavations at Dodekatym-2 have suggested a revision of traditional views concerning the Upper Paleolithic of the region, making it possible to reinterpret cultural parallels between the known Paleolithic sites in Uzbekistan.