Hierarchy classification:

1. top of the aat hierarchies
2. Styles and Periods Facet
3. Styles and Periods (hierarchy name)
4. [styles, periods, and cultures by region]
5. Early Western World
6. [ancient European styles and periods]
7. [European Middle Paleolithic styles and periods]

Anotations

Scope note:

Refers to the period and long-lived culture of distinctive tool development in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa from as early as 50,000 Before Present and associated with the Neanderthals. The period is named after the rock shelters at Le Moustier in southwestern France. It is characterized by the expansion of peoples into new regions and adaptations to new environments, including diversification and specialization of flake tools, proficient and selective hunting, and intentional burial. The culture has some overlap with the Clactonian.