The second aspect of the project is researching possible Neolithic and Chalcolithic flint mines. Throughout the historic period this study region has been mined for flint. (Most recently the flint was primarily used in inexpensive grinding in the ceramics and glass industry.) Numerous stone age settlements have been found along the Prut River. These site have a very high quantity of flint tools and debitage which are presumed to have come from the Prut River (which cuts through the geological formation that contains the flint). At present there is debate in the scientific community regarding the source of the flint. It was traditionally presumed to have been collected from the Prut (and other rivers in the region) in the form of cobbles. More recently researchers have put forward the theory that prehistoric communities may have also mined for the materials. Indeed in the region adjacent to this region of the Prut River, the chalky marl layer containing the flint nodules is located very close to the surface. The modern mines in the area show that the chalky marl layer is very soft and would have provided very few difficulties for mining with stone and bone tools. The project will focus on several methods to search for potential prehistoric mines. The first step was to consult low altitude aerial photos of the entire area. These were examined to find possible signs of mining. During he summer field work, we will first investigate the places of interest determined from the aerial photos. After those have been investigate we will conduct more traditional line walking surveys to search for evidence of mining (depressions in the land or changes in the soil and vegetation) and archaeological sites in general (e.g. potter and debitage scatters). We will also conduct interviews with local farmers to inquire about what they may have seen in the area. Sites that are suspected of being connected to mining will be recorded so that test excavations can be carried out in the following field season. We will also carry out resistitity and GPR surveys of suspected mines.

Contact Vasile Cotiuga or Otis Crandell for additional information about the project, camping conditions and home-stay options, what to bring, travel to Iasi and transfer arrangements, etc. Those with no prior field experience are recommended to read an introductory text on field methods and about flint mining in general. Abstracts of articles on the nearby stone age sites translated into English will be available in the information pack sent to those accepted.