Early humans and the sea in Europe: Evidence of shellfish exploitation ca. 300,000 years ago?

Research on early hominin subsistence has been increasingly concerned with the exploitation of diverse food resources in prehistory, including coastal resources, and its implications on the evolution of technological, behavioural, and ecological adaptations. This paper presents related findings from the MIS 9–8.5 site of Quarto delle Cinfonare (Lazio, Italy). Experimentation and microscopic lithic analysis revealed use-wear traces related to shellfish processing, in addition to animal carcass processing, suggesting that early hominins likely consumed, at least occasionally, coastal food sources in conjunction with terrestrial foods as early as 300,000 years ago. From a technological point of view, the lithics comprise a small-tool assemblage characterised by a high potential for rejuvenation, indicating a technical system designed to obtain a variety of cutting edges for use in diverse activities. Data and interpretations from the site contribute to the understanding of early hominins during the important transitional period between the Lower and Middle Palaeolithic in the region.