Stone Age Surface Finds from Ahlendorf (Saale-Holzland-Kreis)

Abstract

Although the site Ahlendorf has been identified by surface finds only it has taken an important role in the Central German Magdalenian over the last 60 years. Over 4000 stone artefacts were discovered here. The site is characterised by the basic production of mostly blades and flakes typical for the Magdalenian. This is indicated both by the use of the basic shapes and by the cores. The artefacts further suggest that direct soft hammer stone percussion technique predominated. It is not possible to conclusively associate the finds with either the Nebra group or the assemblage type Saaleck. Instead, the assemblage rather looks like a mixture of both groups. Current state of research allows us to exclude a later or earlier date of the finds. The intermediate position of the assemblage as well as the striking selection of artefacts according to sizes underline the need for more research at the site.