Sauveterrian

Sauveterrian
Alternative namesSauveterrian Culture
Geographical rangeFrance, Europe
PeriodMesolithic
Dates8500 to 6500 years BP
Type siteSauveterre-la-Lémance
Preceded byAzilian
Followed byNeolithic Europe

The Sauveterrian is the name for an archaeological culture of the European Mesolithic which flourished around 8500 to 6500 years BP. The name is derived from the type site of Sauveterre-la-Lémance in the French département of Lot-et-Garonne.

It extended through large parts of western and central Europe. Characteristic artefacts include geometric microliths and backed points on micro-blades. Woodworking tools are notably missing from Sauveterrian assemblages. There is evidence for ritual burial.[1][2]

  1. ^ Nicolas Valdeyron. "Sauveterrien et Sauveterriano :unité ou diversité du premier mésolithique en France méridionale et en Italie du nord". Université de Toulouse. Retrieved January 22, 2019.
  2. ^ "Mesolithic Culture of Europe" (PDF). e-Acharya INFLIBNET. Retrieved January 22, 2019.