Aq Kupruk

A rock shelter (Aq Kupruk II) and open site (Aq Kupruk III) on the Balkh River in northern Afghanistan. It is one of the richest Palaeolithic sites in that area. Aq Kupruk II had a single late Palaeolithic deposit with a blade industry (including microliths) with a radiocarbon date of c 14,600 BC. Aq Kupruk III had two deposits, one with artifacts similar to II and a lower one without microlithics. The presence of domesticated sheep and goats at Aq Kupruk has been dated to 8000 BC and that of cattle to about 6000 BC. Sickle blades, peaked stone hoes, chisels, hand mills, and pounders suggest the collection and preparation of wild grains, if not cultivation.

Rock shelter (Aq Kupruk II) and an open site (Aq Kupruk III) on a terrace of the Balkh River. This is one of the richest Palaeolithic sites in Afghanistan, but not the earliest; Lower Palaeolithic material is reported from Dasht-i Nawar and possible Middle Palaeolithic deposits occur at Dara-i Kur, Ghar-i Mordeh Gusfand, Kara Kamar, and other sites. Aq Kupruk II contained a single late Palaeolithic deposit with a blade industry, including microliths, associated with a radiocarbon date of cl4,600 bc. Aq Kupruk III yielded two deposits: the upper unit (AK III-A) has the same artefacts as Aq Kupruk II, but the lower unit (AK III-B) lacks the microlithic element. Neither deposit has been dated.