The Middle Palaeolithic from Belgium: Chronostratigraphy, territorial management and culture on a mosaic of contrasting environments

Abstract

The Lower and Middle Palaeolithic in Belgium are represented in 442 find-sites dispersed across a small territory with contrasting geographical and geological characteristics. The close proximity of caves and open-air sites, as well as the variable access to good sources of flint between regions are of special interest. The dataset is composed primarily of lithic assemblages, rich palaeontological and archaeozoological documentation as well as Neandertal remains from 8 cave sites. This large amount of data facilitates the development of a chronostratigraphic framework from the very beginning of the Middle Palaeolithic (onset of MIS 8) to the end (within the MIS 3, around 36 ka uncal BP). This archaeological documentation also reveals that lithic production variability is multifactorial and includes site function, cultural perspectives, and mobility patterns related to the exploitation of natural resources in contrasting environments.