Cultural
Minières néolithiques de silex de Spiennes (Mons)
Belgique
Photo : Thilo Parg (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Located near Mons in Belgium, this site comprises a series of prehistoric flint mines dating to the Neolithic period. The mines represent evidence of early large-scale extraction and working of flint, a material essential for tool production in prehistoric communities. The site's archaeological significance lies in its preservation of mining techniques, settlement patterns, and the socio-economic organization of Neolithic societies in northwestern Europe. The landscape is characterized by numerous shafts, galleries, and waste heaps that attest to intensive exploitation of flint deposits over an extended period. These remains provide valuable insight into the technological capabilities and resource management strategies of prehistoric populations. The site contributes substantially to understanding the development of specialized craft production and trade networks during the Neolithic era.
