Arago, Bilzingsleben, Vértesszöllös, c. 400,000 BP

A microlithic ‘pebbletool’ tradition occurs at such sites as Bilzingsleben (OIS 11, c. 400,000 BP), Arago-Tautavel (OIS 11) and Vértesszöllös (dating not secure, OIS 7, 9 or 11). The distinctive assemblages are characterized by bipolar technique and microlithic core and flake tools 1 to 3 cm. in size. They may be notched or denticulated, including Tayac points, along with less frequent heavy-duty choppers and polyhedrons. There are microlithic choppers and microchopping-tools [Svoboda (1987)]. Bilzingsleben also appears to have a cordiform handaxe verging on an ovate, 18.5 cm. long (Mania and Mania 1999: fig. 8.3). The tradition seems distinct from a ‘micro-Acheulian’ or ‘micro-CCC’. Members of the Archaeologische Berichten group in the Netherlands have identified some of the artifacts from Vértesszöllös as representational stone sculptures (see slides 7 and 8 below) and suggest that it is comparable to a Boukoulian tradition site [Dijkstra, T. (1990). Vértesszöllös: The abode of Homo palaeohungaricus. Archaeologische Berichten 20:72-77. Elst, NL].

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