Application of Multi-Method Dating for Understanding the Gravettian North of Moravia, Central Europe

This article presents the results of integrating three methods to assess the age of the Upper Palaeolithic site of Pietraszyn 11 (SW Poland), close to the Moravian Gate. Sediment chronology determined using optically stimulated luminescence produced promising, yet ambiguous results (51.0 ± 3.7 to 20.3 ± 0.7 ka). Molecular dating of rodent remains provided a more exact date (32–22.5 ka cal bp). Radiocarbon dating, however, allowed us to narrow the range of cultural deposits further to two occupation periods around 31 and 27 ka cal bp. These data confirm that, on the eve of rapid cooling (LGM), the northern areas were seasonally exploited by groups of Gravettian hunters.