Middle Paleolithic

Generally refers to the period between the Lower and Upper Paleolithic, beginning in the third interglacial stage and lasting during the first major oscillation of the Fourth Glacial or Würm stage, comprising the Mousterian, a portion of the Levalloisian, and the Tayacian cultures, all of which are known by the production of flake tools, although survivals of older hand-axe tradition is sometimes still retained.