Les ensembles lithiques d'Achenheim d'après la collection de Paul Wernert

Abstract

ABSTRACT Achenheim (Bas-Rhin, France) is a palaeolithic site with numerous find- layers. Most important are six archaeological horizons dating from the third glacial period (approx. 300000 to 200000 years BP). From layer 20a (beginning of the 3rd glacial period) to layer 20 (last third of this glaciation) a non-abrupt, gradual transition from Lower Palaeolithic pebble industry to Early Middle Palaeolithic Mousterian of Ferrassie type is observable. This gradual change can be traced in technology (increase in efficiency and frequency of Levallois technique), typology (appearance and increasing number of typical Middle Palaeolithic flake tools) and the raw material supply (growing importance of better-quality raw materials like silicious schist and silex). In the last third of the 3rd glaciation the transition Lower/Middle Palaeolithic seems to be finished.