Rythmes et modalités d'approvisionnement en silex blond bédoulien dans le Chasséen du bassin de l'Aude : le cas d’Auriac, Carcassonne (Aude)

Auriac, a fortified site within the UNESCO-listed Historic Fortified City of Carcassonne, stands out for its significant and consistent use of Bédoulien blond flint sourced from Vaucluse during the Chasséen period. Unlike surrounding sites, Auriac's lithic industry is almost entirely composed of this imported material, primarily in the form of pre-shaped, heated nuclei and rare unheated blades, with the majority being lamellae production tools. This suggests a specialized role for Auriac as a central hub for importing and redistributing flint, supported by comparisons with other contemporary sites in the region. While neighboring settlements also engaged in lamellae production using imported nuclei, their reliance on Bédoulien flint was notably lower. The study, based on analyses of multiple lithic assemblages from Auriac's sectors, reveals distinct patterns of flint exploitation and utilization, with fortified areas showing stronger evidence of on-site lamellae production. Meanwhile, sites like Font-Juvénal, primarily used for caprine breeding, exhibited a higher proportion of unheated blades, hinting at separate distribution networks for heated nuclei and unheated blades.

Vaquer, J., & Remicourt, M. (2010). Rythmes et modalités d’approvisionnement en silex blond bédoulien dans le Chasséen du bassin de l’Aude : le cas d’Auriac, Carcassonne (Aude). Économie et Société de La Fin de La Préhistoire : Actualité de La Recherche, 39–56. https://doi.org/10.4000/books.alpara.3611