The Middle Palaeolithic Geography of Southern France

Description

The aim of this study is to highlight regularities in the Middle Palaeolithic settlement pattern observable in southern France bordering on the Mediterranean and southern Rhône valley. This period has traditionally been viewed as characterised by substantial lithic assemblage diversity. Discussion of this diversity, however, often ignores other, non-lithic variables: the topographic nature of the contexts of the lithic assemblages and the faunal data often found alongside stone tools. These form the primary basis of the present study. Two related databases form the backbone of the research, followed by an account of the prevailing environmental conditions at the time of the Middle Palaeolithic and a discussion of the available faunal data as a reflection of these environments. Although some environmental reflection can be observed, the faunal material that is available is a greater reflection of local taphonomic events than of prevailing regional ecological conditions, be these events nature- or human-related.