Question

Arrange the following in the correct chronological order of European palaeolithic culture.
A. Solutrean
B. Mousterian
C. Acheulean
D. Aurignacian
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. C, B, D, A
• B. A, C, B, D
• C. B, A, C, D
• D. C, A, D, B

Hint:

Memorize the main Palaeolithic sequence: {L}ower (Acheulean) $\rightarrow$ {M}iddle (Mousterian) $\rightarrow$ {U}pper (Aurignacian, Gravettian, Solutrean, Magdalenian). The order is alphabetical for L-M-U, which can help you remember the basic framework.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question requires ordering the major European Palaeolithic cultural traditions from oldest to most recent. This covers the Lower, Middle, and Upper Palaeolithic periods.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's place each culture in its correct period:
- C. Acheulean: This is the main culture of the Lower Palaeolithic, characterized by the production of hand-axes. It is the oldest in this list.
- B. Mousterian: This culture defines the Middle Palaeolithic and is associated with Neanderthals. It follows the Acheulean.
- D. Aurignacian: This is the earliest culture of the Upper Palaeolithic in Europe, associated with the arrival of anatomically modern humans. It follows the Mousterian.
- A. Solutrean: This is a later culture within the Upper Palaeolithic, famous for its exquisite, finely worked leaf-shaped points. It comes after the Aurignacian (and the intervening Gravettian culture).
Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct chronological order from oldest to newest is:
Acheulean (C) $\rightarrow$ Mousterian (B) $\rightarrow$ Aurignacian (D) $\rightarrow$ Solutrean (A).
The correct sequence is C, B, D, A.