The Mousterian in Mediterranean France

This work evaluates Neanderthal patterns of behaviour in Mediterranean France in a broad-scale regional, integrative and comparative way. Two main questions are addressed: first, to what extent can we document chronological, spatial and other forms of variability within the Middle Palaeolithic record of Mediterranean France, and what is the significance of these patterns? Second, to what extent is the Middle Palaeolithic in Mediterranean France similar to that found in southwestern France, and to what extent do the models of Mousterian variability developed in this classic area apply in Mediterranean France? A total of 79 sites (237 assemblages), dating from 35,000 to 18,000 ya, are analysed in order to address these questions. As part of an integrative perspective, a number of parameters are examined, principally lithic typology, basic lithic technology, faunal and raw material information. The results show that Mediterranean France cannot be viewed simply as an extension of southwestern France.