Upper Paleolithic social networks spanned 600+ kilometers across Western Europe. Study from Pyrenees region between southern France and northern Spain Hunter-gatherers maintained large-scale social networks 26,000-19,000 years ago during last glacial maximum Long-distance contacts documented up to 600-700 kilometers
New research from Peña Capón in the Pyrenees region between southern France and northern Spain reveals that hunter-gatherers maintained vast social networks spanning 600-700 kilometers during the Last Glacial Maximum, 26,000-19,000 years ago. Solutrean period stone tools analyzed at the site were made from flint sourced from southwestern France geological outcrops, representing the greatest confirmed distance of lithic raw material movement in European Paleolithic. These long-distance contacts were sustained over multiple millennia, with networks covering a minimum area of approximately 89,000 square kilometers. Materials from the Duero and Ebro basins were also found at the site, suggesting seasonal gathering places fully integrated into these large social networks.
Key Facts
- Study from Pyrenees region between southern France and northern Spain
- Hunter-gatherers maintained large-scale social networks 26,000-19,000 years ago during last glacial maximum
- Long-distance contacts documented up to 600-700 kilometers
- Solutrian period stone tools analyzed from Peña Capón site
- Flint sourced from southwestern France geological outcrops
- Greatest confirmed distance in European Paleolithic for lithic raw material movement
- Minimum area covered by networks reached approximately 89,000 square kilometers
- Sustained contact over multiple millennia
- Evidence of seasonal gathering places fully integrated into large social networks
- Materials from Duero and Ebro basins also found at site
Related site: Peña Campana, Horna de Ebro — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.
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