There is little evidence on social organization during the Mesolithic Period and whatever information we have has been deduced exclusively from archaeological finds. The people of the Mesolithic Period formed relationship bonds as their predecessors did during the Palaeolithic Period and lived in groups of 10 to 30. Living in a permanent location during the Mesolithic accentuated the feeling of cohabitation and cooperation. The organization of voyages in the open sea to locate raw materials (obsidian, andesite) suitable for manufacturing stone tools and to catch large fish (Tuna) are some indications of cooperation and social integration in the Mesolithic society. The numerous burials unearthed close to places of permanent settlement
(Maroulas, Theopetra)
are clues that show, in practise, a respect towards the dead and a belief
in life after-death. However, during this period, based on the finds
from Franchthi, differences in burial traditions compared to that of
the Palaeolithic
Period have been noted. Close to the entrance of the cave, |