THE LITHIC ASSEMBLAGES FROM CAGNY-LEPINET TE, CAGNY-CIMETIERE AND CAGNY-LA-GARENNE IN THE EUROPEAN NORTH-WESTERN CONTEXT

The study of the lithical assemblages collected by A. Tuffreau during the excavations at Cagny-l'Epinette, Cagny-Cimetiere and Cagny-la Gare nne in the Somme Valley, has allowed us to define different characters particularly to the lower Paleolithic industries. We have brought out variations in the knapping techniques as well as in the distribution of the tools. The observation of the lithic industry from different lo wer Paleolithic sites in Northwestern Europe has shown that all the st riking techniques belong to the same technical system although there a re many handaxes, some or even absent. It is therefore possible to exp ress doubts on the existence of distinct cultural units (Clactonian, a rchaic assemblages) during the lower Paleolithic.