Note préliminaire des industries lithiques récoltées lors de la prospection du plateau de Koulaybel Hemah (Al Khanouka, région de Deir Ez-Zor)

Abstract

The Koulayb el Hemah plateau is located on the West Bank of the Euphrates in Syria, about 60 km in the north of Deir Ez-Zor. The surveys carried there revealed the presence of several prehistoric facies. A first evaluation of the lithic industries indicates material that dates back to the Middle Paleolithic, including pieces that correspond to the Yabrudian industry, and Levallois debitage is also present.
Similarly, lithic industries from the Neolithic and later periods have been identified in the region. The Koulayb el Hemah plateau and the surrounding area thus seem to have a rich record of prehistoric occupations covering a long period of time. Further archaeological investigations in this area stands to provide more data to better understand prehistoric settlements in the Middle Euphrates Valley.