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The Mesolithic (Greek mesos=middle and lithos=stone or the 'Middle Stone Age'[1]) was a period in the development of human technology between the Paleolithic and Neolithic periods of the Stone Age.
Remains from this period are few and far between, often limited to middens (rubbish heaps which grew over time). In forested areas of the world, the first signs of deforestation have been found, although this would only start in earnest during the Neolithic, when extra space for farming was needed.
The Mesolithic is characterized by small composite flint tools (microliths and microburins) in most areas. Fishing tackle, stone adzes and wooden objects such as canoes and bows have been found preserved at some sites.
Mesolithic sites
- Cramond in the United Kingdom
- Franchthi in Greece
- Howick house in the United Kingdom
- Lepenski Vir in Serbia
- Newbury in the United Kingdom
- Star Carr in the United Kingdom
- North Park Farm Surrey in the United Kingdom
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