Clactonian

/klækˈtoʊniən/ adjective

Definition

Relating to Clacton, a town in Essex, England, or in archaeology, referring to a culture of stone tools from that region, predating Acheulean hand axes.

Etymology

From Clacton-on-Sea, an English town where distinctive prehistoric stone tools were discovered. The archaeological culture is named after this site, following the convention of naming stone tool cultures after discovery locations.

Kelly Says

Clactonian tools represent a moment when archaeologists realized prehistoric humans had different tool-making traditions—some societies preferred simple sharp flakes while others made elaborate hand axes. Place names literally write history!

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