The Magdalenian of Hohle Fels Cave and the resettlement of the Swabian Jura after the LGM

Hohle Fels Cave is a Magdalenian basecamp in the Swabian Jura. The site yielded an exceptionally rich lithic assemblage including abundant backed pieces, as well as many organic tools and artefacts that express symbolic behaviour. Radiocarbon dates place the occupation before the Meiendorf amelioration which marks the onset of the late glacial interstadial cycle. These dates are in accordance with many other Central European Magdalenian sites and indicate a comprehensive colonization and resettlement of the region during the dry and cold late Pleniglacial. Origins of the Swabian Magdalenian to the west are indicated, and connections in that direction were maintained, as documented by marine shells from the Atlantic Ocean.