Tardenoisian

Tardenoisian refers to a Mesolithic industry found in northwestern Europe, particularly in northern France and Belgium. It is characterized by a prevalence of small flint tools, known as microliths. These microliths are typically geometric in shape, such as triangles, crescents, and trapezes, and were often hafted onto bone or wood to create composite tools like arrowheads or harpoons. The Tardenoisian industry is considered to be one of the earliest widespread Mesolithic cultures in this region, dating roughly from the 8th to the 4th millennium BCE.

The name "Tardenoisian" originates from the type-site of Tardenois in the Aisne department of France. Archaeological evidence suggests that Tardenoisian peoples were hunter-gatherers, adapting to the post-glacial environments of the time. Their toolkit also included larger tools like scrapers and awls, alongside the characteristic microliths. The distribution of Tardenoisian sites indicates a mobile lifestyle, with evidence of temporary settlements and seasonal resource exploitation. While Tardenoisian is a widely recognized term, it is important to note that it represents a broad cultural grouping, and regional variations exist. The precise relationship of the Tardenoisian to other contemporary Mesolithic industries and its eventual transition into the Neolithic period are subjects of ongoing research and debate among archaeologists.