Bayesian luminescence dating at Ghār-e Boof, Iran, provides a new chronology for Middle and Upper Paleolithic in the southern Zagros

Ghār-e Boof is a Paleolithic cave site in Iran well known for its rich early Upper Rostamian assemblages. The located on the edge of Dasht-e Rostam plain southern Zagros. Recent excavations by members Tübingen-Iranian Stone Age Research Project at also recovered well-stratified Middle Here, we provide first detailed luminescence chronology and site. More generally, our work Zagros Mountains region Iran. ages agree with published 14 C dates. We applied Bayesian models specifically designed dating using R package ‘BayLum’ to incorporate well-established stratigraphic constraints, as optically stimulated (OSL) improve precision chronological framework. shows significantly improved OSL particular upper part sequence where were available. horizons, archaeologicalhorizon (AH) III (a-b-c), AH IV, fall range 37–42 ka (68% credible interval [CI]). Moreover, determined series dates between 45 81 CI) strata from IVd VI. Our results point demographic shift populations responsible within three millennia. This major technological change accompanied rise symbolic artifacts such personal ornaments, may or not reflect replacement Neanderthals modern humans. While are confident that was made humans, available information does allow us be sure who local Paleolithic.