Site formation processes at Cenjiawan (Nihewan Basin, North China): a case study on the structure of the Early Pleistocene archaeological record in lakeshore environments

Lakeshore environments offer an excellent opportunity to explore how early humans adapted changing landscapes and environments. The Nihewan fluvio-lacustrine sequence in North China contains one of the densest concentrations Early Pleistocene Palaeolithic sites outside Africa. Among these, Cenjiawan site, dated at 1.1 Ma, draws attention due large number stone tool refits. We present here Cenjiawan's sedimentary context, artefact spatial patterns, size distribution taphonomic features, which are complemented by experimental programme better understand archaeological debitage thus enabling a detailed analysis formation processes site. assemblage is also interpreted light its geographical geological where synsedimentary fault induced minor topographic relief across lacustrine lakeshore. This resulted shallow-water setting down-thrown hanging wall compartment, fluvial environment uplifted footwall. Our results indicate that Cenjiawan, situated fault, underwent minimal disturbance, constituting remarkable example optimal preservation assemblages lakeshore