Britain In or Out of Europe During the Late Mesolithic? A New Perspective of the Mesolithic–Neolithic Transition

Abstract Lacking well-dated fifth millennium Mesolithic evidence and based on a consensus that late Britain was isolated from the continent, discussion of Mesolithic–Neolithic transition has focused centuries around 4000 BC. This discourse over-simplified complex neolithisation processes. New, high-quality 460,000 lithics found at Bexhill, Sussex, SE England, helps to redress this. Here, microliths (5500–4300 BC) may demonstrate continental links with neolithised communities. Alongside other sites, this offers exciting opportunities contribute debates an during transition. As result, work also provides additional explanations new proposing European influences British Neolithic DNA. Instead island, lithic evidence, we propose culturally connected continent in millennium. Therefore, longer, more complex, nuanced process than previously thought.