Ancient Europe: Mesolithic Period (9700-4000 BC)

Characteristic of this period is the development of miniature flints called microliths (Mode V) used in composite tools, mainly fastened to a shaft which improved the leverage of the shaft and gave the user protection against the flint. The Mesolithic tool kit included the first true axes and adzes used for woodworking, scrapers, borers and burins (flint chisels).

Doggerland was an area of land, now submerged beneath the southern North Sea, extending from the east coast of Britain to northern Europe. During this time it was a forested plain with inland lakes and rivers but 6500-6200 BC the rising sea levels submerged it beneath the North Sea, severing the connection between Britain and mainland Europe. This event has of course had a significant impact on the history of both.

● Late (Transitional) Mesolithic (7000-4000 BC)

From around 7000 BC, the Neolithic culture (farming, herding, polished stone axes, timber longhouses and simple pottery) spread across Europe from the southeast, transforming the Mesolithic way of life into that of the Neolithic.