Mesolithikum

The Mesolithic period, also known as the Middle Stone Age, is a prehistoric archaeological era that falls between the Paleolithic and Neolithic periods. It began after the end of the last glacial period, approximately 10,000 BCE, and lasted until the advent of agriculture, which marked the beginning of the Neolithic. This period is characterized by significant environmental changes as the ice sheets retreated, leading to altered landscapes and new flora and fauna.

Human societies during the Mesolithic adapted to these changing conditions. They were primarily hunter-gatherer-fishers, but their methods became more sophisticated. Microliths, small chipped stone tools, became common and were often hafted onto bone or wood to create composite tools like arrows, spears, and harpoons. This allowed for more efficient hunting of a wider range of prey, including birds and fish. Settlements were often semi-permanent or seasonal, with people following migratory animal herds and seasonal plant availability. Evidence suggests an increase in population density compared to the Paleolithic, with larger groups forming.

Artistic expression continued, with cave paintings and rock art becoming more schematic and abstract compared to the earlier, more naturalistic depictions of animals. The Mesolithic period represents a crucial transitional phase, bridging the gap between the nomadic lifestyles of the Upper Paleolithic and the settled agricultural communities of the Neolithic, laying the groundwork for future societal developments.