The Paleolithic and Mesolithic Age
1.
Block of silicified limestone with clear traces of large flake removals.
2.
These are among the oldest known tools. They were found in thick loess deposits—fine wind-blown sediments that accumulated during glacial periods—which helped date them to between 70,000 and 50,000 years ago, in the Middle Paleolithic. On the left are several flakes made from silicified limestone; in the center, a bifacial tool and a core shaped using the Levallois technique; on the right, retouched flakes transformed into scrapers, points, and other tools. The Levallois technique enables the production of flakes with a predetermined shape through preparatory removals from the core.
3.
Jasper from Monte Lama is a siliceous rock with a deep, vivid red color. Its use began in the Middle Paleolithic and became much more intense in the Upper Paleolithic (around 40,000 to 10,000 years ago). Preliminary tool-making was often done on site, as shown by the thousands of discarded flakes, the presence of cores, and the scarcity of finished tools. During this period, longer and more blade-like flakes began to be produced—hence the term “blades”— together with more specialized tools like burins, scrapers, and perforators, meant to meet the needs of more specific functions.
4.
These two sets of Mesolithic tools come from different sites: Collecchio (on the left) and Monte Camulara (on the right).
Collecchio, located at 106 meters above sea level, is the lowest Mesolithic site discovered so far. It was likely a seasonal base camp occupied for a moderate period and used for various subsistence activities. Charcoal remains, animal bones, and thousands of stone tools made from local rocks were recovered here. Radiocarbon dating and tool typology place the site around 10,000 years ago, within the so-called Sauveterrian tradition.
The finds from Monte Camulara are more recent, dating between 8,500 and 7,500 years ago. Located over 1,300 meters above sea level, it’s one of several seasonal high-altitude camps in the Apennines.The lithic tools, part of the Castelnovian tradition, include a high frequency of small blades and trapezoidal tools.