M021 – Mesolithic Microlith (British Find)

Mesolithic stone tools

The Mesolithic is the name given to the period between the end of the last ice age, In Britain the Mesolithic (Middle Stone) period began around 12,000 years ago as the climate began to warm up at the end of the last Ice Age. Trees and plants began to grow again and forest animals such as deer crossed the land bridge that then linked Britain to Europe.

This period in history was the beginning of settled farming around 5,500 years ago. This period saw a big movement of people and many hunting parties began to visit England regularly, Eventually the British Isles became their home.


Mesolithic Microlith

Description – Microlith, literally small stone, are characteristic flint (or chert) tools from the Mesolithic Period, dating from as long ago as 7000 BCE or even earlier and include tools such as blades, points, awls (borers) burins (a form of chisel) and scalene triangles.

Provenance – Found close to the River Ter Valley near Chelmsford, Essex

Size – 2.3cm x 1.5cm

Weight – 2g

Age – 8000 BCE – 4000 BCE

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