Human Paleontology and Prehistory

The aim of the book is to present original and though-provoking essays in human paleontology and prehistory, which are at the forefront of human evolutionary research, in honor of Professor Yoel Rak (a leading scholar in paleoanthropology).​ ​The volume presents a collection of original papers contributed by many of Yoel's friends and colleagues from all over the globe. Contributions from experts around the globe fall roughly into three broad categories: Reflections on some of the broad theoretical questions of evolution, and especially about human evolution; the early hominins, with special emphasis on Australopithecus afarensis and Paranthropus; and the Neanderthals, that contentious group of our closest extinct relatives. Within and across these categories, nearly every paper addresses combinations of methodological, analytical and theoretical questions that are pertinent to the whole human evolutionary time span. This book will appeal most to scholars and advanced students in paleoanthropology, human paleontology and prehistoric archaeology.

"This book presents new and expanded data sets on fossil humans, especially australopithecines and Neanderthals. ... The illustrations are beautiful, providing fine anatomical and archaeological detail. Anatomical coverage is extensive, ranging from the dentition, cranium, mandible, and hyoid to the limbs, pel-vis, and spine. Archaeological discussion focuses on Israel. All of the authors show a genuine fondness and admiration for Yoel Rak." (Susan Cachel, PaleoAnthropology, 2017)

Assaf Marom is a M.D, Ph.D student at the Department of Anatomy & Anthropology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University.  Erella Hovers is a Professor at the Institute of Archaeology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Her research Interests include understanding the Plio-Pleistocene archaeology in East Africa, the Middle Paleolithic of the Levant, the evolution of symbolism and art, lithic technology, subsistence and mobility (land-use strategies) of early hominins, taphonomy and site formation processes, and archaeological theory.