Definition: Balma de l'Abeurador is a rockshelter that contains a Mesolithic period site. The cave is located 50 kilometers inland from the Mediterranean Sea on the southern edge of the Massif Central in what is now southwestern France. Excavations by Michel Barbaza and Jean Vaquer at L'Ecole des Hautes Etudes en Sciences Sociale (EHESS) recovered the carbonized remains of legumes (lentils, chick peas), dated between 10,000 and 8,000 years ago, that appear to be domesticated. Thus, the cave is thus evidence for a relatively early date for the invention of agriculture.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Sources for the term include the references listed on the front page of the Dictionary, and the websites listed in the sidebar. Any mistakes are the responsibility of Kris Hirst.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Sources for the term include the references listed on the front page of the Dictionary, and the websites listed in the sidebar. Any mistakes are the responsibility of Kris Hirst.
Alternate Spellings: Balma Abeurador, Abeurador
