Sauveterrian

The Sauveterrian is the name for an archaeological culture of the European Epipaleolithic which flourished around 8500–6500 years BC. The name is derived from the type site of Sauveterre-la-Lémance in the French [département] Error: {{Lang}}: text has italic markup (help) of Lot-et-Garonne.

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

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

See also

• Synoptic table of the principal old world prehistoric cultures