A Neolithic population model based on new radiocarbon dates from mining, funerary and population scaled activity in the Saint-Gond Marshes region of North East France

We present and model new radiocarbon data for the Neolithic marshes of Marais de Saint-Gond Marne in France. We then provide the first radiocarbon-based synthesis of human activity in this region. The earliest flint mine pits dug in France were dated to between 7518 and 7356 cal BC (95% probability) in the Mesolithic period. A Neolithic sequence of activity has been reconstructed in detail for the mine and hypogeums in the Vert-laGravelle ?La Craye`re? site. Using summed probability distribution frequencies with new radiocarbon results from flint mines, hypogeum-burials and settlements, we show the peak of regional population is consistent with the advent of the hypogeum construction during the Ne?olithique re?cent/Ne?olithique final between 3650 and 2900 cal BC (95% probability).

Automated summary

New radiocarbon data for the Neolithic marshes of Marais de Saint-Gond Marne in France were presented and modeled. The study provided a synthesis of human activity in the region, revealing the earliest flint mine pits in France dating back to the Mesolithic period and showing a peak in regional population consistent with the advent of hypogeum construction during the late Neolithic period.