Sauveterrian

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The Sauveterrian is the name for an archaeological culture of the European Mesolithic which flourished around 7000-8000 years BC. The name is derived from the type site of Sauveterre le Lémance in the French departement of Lot et Garonne.

It extended by large parts of western and central Europe. Characteristic artefacts include geometric microliths and backed points on micro-blades. Wood working tools are notably missing from Sauveterrian assemblages. There is evidence for ritual burial.

It eventually evolved into the Tardenoisian culture of similar characteristics. It's also the source of the first Nordic culture (Maglemosian).

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