Cherts procurement and exploitation during the Bell Beaker period: New data from Lombardy (Northern Italy) and Eastern Languedoc (South-eastern France)

Authors present the results of a comparative study conducted on some lithic industries belonging to different phases of Bell Beaker periodof two different areas: Lombardy (Northern Italy) and Eastern Languedoc (South-eastern France). Petrological analysis on stone artefacts as well as on geological samples, collected during systematic surveys, have been performed in order to recognize the raw materials provenance. A detailed characterization of the microfacies(on the basis of specific features like textures, microstructures,mineralogy, inclusions, microfossils), carried out through the stereomicroscope, has allowed the identification of the exploited regional geological formations. The analysis of the preserved natural surfaces as well as of the cortexes has permitted to recognize the procurement areas (primary or secondary). This study shows noteworthy differences between raw materials procurement and exploitation strategies put in place by Bell Beaker groups on the Italian and French side.