Patocka Zijalka

Potocka Zijalka is an important Alpine cave site containing rich archaeological and palaeontological remains that were uncovered from 1928 to 1935. The Second World War destroyed most of the palaeontological material. Thus, the first monograph on Potocka Zijalka published by Srecko and Mitja Brodar in 1983 focused mainly on the archaeological remains. The aim of the recent excavation campaigns from 1997 to 2000 was to fill the gap in the faunal record of Potocka Zijalka. In addition, radiometric dating of samples was undertaken, and pollen and sediment analysis as well as mtDNA analysis was done. This monograph discusses the geology, sedimentology, chronology, climatology, palynology and taphonomy of the site. The studies presented in the monograph offer several new implications concerning the use of caves by man and animals during the Palaeolithic period, and contribute the understanding of site formation processes in Alpine caves.