Solutré Rock is a significant archaeological site located in the commune of Solutré-Pouilly, in the Saône-et-Loire department of eastern France. Known for its impressive flint knapping industry, this site is particularly famous for the tools and artifacts found there, which date back to the Upper Paleolithic era, specifically during the Solutrean period.
The Solutrean culture, from which the site derives its name, spanned roughly from 22,000 to 17,000 BCE. This period is noted for the development of sophisticated stone tool technology, particularly the creation of laurel leaf points, which are characterized by their symmetrical, bifacial, and often pressure-flaked designs. These tools are considered a pinnacle of prehistoric technology due to the level of skill required in their manufacture.
Excavations at Solutré Rock have uncovered thousands of tools, including the iconic laurel leaf points, which are believed to have been used for hunting large game like horses and reindeer. The site also features:
The site is crucial for understanding the lifestyle, technology, and social organization of the Solutrean people. It provides insights into:
Solutré Rock is now part of a national park, Parc de Solutré-Pouilly, which preserves the site and promotes education about prehistoric human activities. It also hosts the Musée de Solutré, where many of the findings are displayed. The site's importance has led to its recognition as a monument historique in France.
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