A Glacially Preserved Mesolithic Rock Crystal Extraction Site in the Swiss Alps

Cornelissen, Marcel; Maur, Christian Auf der; Reitmaier, Thomas

doi:10.1080/00293652.2022.2052747

Cited by 3 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 6 publications

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“…6640-6450 cal BP at an altitude of 4300 m on the slopes of the Lyskamm summit in the Italian Alps [49] and (ii) of a Mesolithic rock crystal extraction site dated to 7850-7350 cal BP at the pass of Fuorcla da Strem (2820 m a.s.l.) in the Swiss Alps [50].…”

Section: Figurementioning

confidence: 99%

Holocene Paleohydrological Changes Reflected in Lake-Level Fluctuations in Lake Annecy (French Pre-Alps): Climatic Significance and Archeological Implications

Magny,

Morin,

Vérot

et al. 2024

Quaternary

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Lakes are threatened by contemporary climate change and human activities. Paleohydrological records provide important evidence for developing scenarios for future changes in the availability of freshwater resources. This study presents a synthesis of a sedimentological, archeological, and chronological dataset collected from Lake Annecy (eastern France) to reconstruct a lake-level record documenting the whole Holocene. This dataset shows a pronounced minimum in the lake level during the Holocene thermal maximum (HTM) (ca. 9000–7000 cal BP), preceded by a general lowering trend (early Holocene), and followed by a general rising trend (Neoglacial). On both the millennial and centennial scales, the Lake Annecy record appears to match the regional pattern of Holocene lake-level fluctuations established for West-Central Europe. In agreement with other extra-regional paleoclimatic records, it shows the dominant influence of orbital forcing. The high magnitude of the lake-level lowering (more than 5 m) during the HTM, with a 2–2.5 °C difference between the HTM and the pre-industrial mean summer temperatures, suggests possible drastic lake-level lowering phases in the near future depending on the IPCC scenarios following climate change. This would mean dramatic impacts on human activities and the preservation of exceptional archeological remains in regional lake basins.

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Section: Figurementioning

confidence: 99%

Holocene Paleohydrological Changes Reflected in Lake-Level Fluctuations in Lake Annecy (French Pre-Alps): Climatic Significance and Archeological Implications

Magny,

Morin,

Vérot

et al. 2024

Quaternary

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Holocene glacier variations in the Alps

Le Roy,

Ivy-Ochs,

Nicolussi

et al. 2024

European Glacial Landscapes

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The first petrographic characterisation of a prehistoric rock crystal mine in the Swiss Alps

Hess,

Mullis,

Franz

2023

Sci Rep

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Over the past decades, there has been increasing evidence for the prehistoric use of rock crystal in mountainous environments, including craft specialisation and long-distance exchange. Yet there are only a few known sites where the mineral was quarried in sustainable quantities. One of them is situated near Fiescheralp in the Upper Valais (Switzerland) and dates to the Early Mesolithic and a final stage of the Neolithic. Here we present the first petrographic characterisation of a prehistoric rock crystal mine in the Swiss Alps, involving a combination of different methods. The article provides a detailed description of the fluid inclusions within the quartz crystals and an overview over the related mineral paragenesis. This gives interesting new insights into the formation of the analysed fissure and allows comparing rock crystal artefacts found in other archaeological sites to this particular source. The results form the basis for further investigations concerning the circulation and distribution of the raw material in the past.

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A Glacially Preserved Mesolithic Rock Crystal Extraction Site in the Swiss Alps

Cited by 3 publications

References 6 publications

Holocene Paleohydrological Changes Reflected in Lake-Level Fluctuations in Lake Annecy (French Pre-Alps): Climatic Significance and Archeological Implications

Holocene Paleohydrological Changes Reflected in Lake-Level Fluctuations in Lake Annecy (French Pre-Alps): Climatic Significance and Archeological Implications

Holocene glacier variations in the Alps

The first petrographic characterisation of a prehistoric rock crystal mine in the Swiss Alps

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