Mesolithic hunting and fishing in the coastal and terrestrial environments of the eastern Baltic

This chapter presents evidence of hunting and fishing in the Mesolithic period from the eastern Baltic region. During that time, these activities were the most important means of subsistence. Altogether twelve Mesolithic settlement sites yielded considerable amounts of animal remains that could provide information about the archaeofauna of this long period in human history. Basically, three phases of Mesolithic archaeofauna could be identified: Early Mesolithic, Middle Mesolithic, and Late Mesolithic/Early Neolithic. These groups are in good accordance with the changing climate and environment of the area and characterize well a human ability to adapt in such conditions and find uses for faunal resources.