A high-resolution chronology for the archaeological deposits at Pinnacle Point 5–6, Western Cape Province, South Africa

Researchers have constructed a high-resolution chronology for the archaeological deposits at Pinnacle Point Site 5–6 (PP5-6), South Africa, spanning approximately 60,000 years from around 110,000 to 50,000 years ago. This study demonstrates that sediment deposition at PP5-6 is closely linked to global climate and sea-level changes, providing a detailed timeline for understanding human occupation and environmental modifications during the Pleistocene. The team employed optical dating methods, generating 197 individual age estimates, with 169 integrated into a Bayesian age model. This systematic approach enhances the resolution of chronologies to human timescales, enabling more precise comparisons between sites and proxy data. Additionally, the study identifies major periods of site modification and connects various causes and effects with different types of occupation, offering new insights into the interplay between humans and their environment during this critical period.

Jacobs, Z., Karkanas, P., Fahey, B. P., Fisher, E. C., & Marean, C. W. (2025). A high-resolution chronology for the archaeological deposits at Pinnacle Point 5–6, Western Cape Province, South Africa. Quaternary Science Reviews, 354, 109263. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.quascirev.2025.109263