Acheulian

A·cheu·li·an also A·cheu·le·an  (-shl-n)

adj.

Of or relating to a stage of tool culture of the Lower Paleolithic Period between the second and third interglacial periods, characterized by flaked bifacial hand axes.

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[French acheuléen, after St. Acheul, a hamlet in northern France.]

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Acheulian, Acheulean [əˈʃuːlɪən -jən] Archaeol

n

1. (Social Science / Archaeology) (in Europe) the period in the Lower Palaeolithic following the Abbevillian, represented by the use of soft hammerstones in hand axe production made of chipped stone, bone, antler, or wood. The Acheulian dates from the Riss glaciation

2. (Social Science / Archaeology) (in Africa) the period represented by every stage of hand axe development

adj

(Social Science / Archaeology) of or relating to this period

[after St. Acheul, town in northern France]

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Acheulian also Acheulean  (-shl-n)

Relating to a stage of tool culture of the Lower Paleolithic Period, dating from around 1.5 million to 150,000 years ago, characterized especially by flaked bifacial hand axes, cleavers, and other core tools. The earliest Acheulian tools have been found at African sites associated with Homo erectus fossils. Later examples have been found at numerous sites in the Middle East, Europe, and western and southern Asia.