Mittelsteinzeit

The Mittelsteinzeit, also known as the Mesolithic period, represents a significant transitional phase in human prehistory, falling between the Paleolithic and the Neolithic periods. It is generally dated from approximately 10,000 BCE to 8,000 BCE, though these dates can vary depending on geographical location. This era witnessed a significant shift in human adaptation to a changing post-glacial environment.

Following the end of the last Ice Age, the climate warmed, leading to the expansion of forests and a rise in sea levels. Human populations adapted by developing new hunting and gathering strategies. Microliths, small chipped stone tools, became a characteristic feature of Mesolithic technology. These were often hafted onto bone or wood to create composite tools like arrows, spears, and sickles, demonstrating increased sophistication in toolmaking.

Settlement patterns also evolved. While nomadic lifestyles persisted, there is evidence of more semi-permanent settlements, particularly in resource-rich areas. These sites often show evidence of larger structures and more organized social behavior. Fishing and the exploitation of marine resources became increasingly important, alongside traditional hunting of deer, aurochs, and other terrestrial animals. The Mesolithic period laid important groundwork for the subsequent development of agriculture and settled village life in the Neolithic.