168 Mesolithic Culture

Key Idea: The Mesolithic period is marked climatically by the change from glacial to warmer climates, and archaeologically by the refinement and further development of human tools. The Mesolithic (Middle Stone Age) period occurred in Europe 12,000-3000 years ago, as the last glacial period ended. The tools produced at the time were small bladed geometric stone tools (microliths), and were often fitted into a handle of wood or bone. Mesolithic people used a wide variety of hunting, fishing, and food gathering techniques, which may have arisen because the warming climate would have resulted in increased productivity. The Mesolithic occurred during the current Holocene epoch, which is relatively warm compared to the previous epoch, the Pleistocene. The warmer climate resulted in glacial retreats, the growth of forests in Europe and deserts in North Africa, and the disappearance of the animals hunted during the glacial period.

Tools of the Mesolithic period

Sickles: These two sickles are made of flint embedded into a handle made of horn (below, right) and an antler (right). Such tools were used to cut the grasses to gather their seeds and date from the Mesolithic period.

Single flint blade Antler handle

Didier Descouens Harpoon: This flat harpoon is made of bone, and dates between 12,000 and 9500 years ago. It was found in France.

Three flint microliths embedded to create cutting edge

Bone fish hook: This fish hook dates from the Mesolithic period and was found in Sweden. Horn handle

Didier Descouens Microlith: Made of flint or chert (a sedimentary rock). Microliths formed the points of hunting weapons such as spears. This microlith was found in the Tourasse cave, France.

1. The Mesolithic culture replaced the Upper Palaeolithic culture. When did the Mesolithic culture begin?

2. (a) Describe the key features that characterise the Mesolithic culture:

(b) How did the Mesolithic culture differ from the Upper Palaeolithic culture?

3. Explain the significance of the warmer climate experienced during the Mesolithic period: