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Neolithic Flint Mines at Spiennes (Mons)

Belgium
Date of Inscription: 2000
Criteria: (i)(iii)(iv)
Core zone: 172 ha
Province of Hainaut, Wallonia Region
N50 25 50.8 E3 58 43.6
Ref: 1006

Brief Description

The Neolithic flint mines at Spiennes, covering more than 100 ha, are the largest and earliest concentration of ancient mines in Europe. They are also remarkable for the diversity of technological solutions used for extraction and for the fact that they are directly linked to a settlement of the same period.

Justification for Inscription

Criterion i: The Neolithic flint mines at Spiennes provide exceptional testimony to early human inventiveness and application.

Criterion iii: The arrival of the Neolithic cultures marked a major milestone in human cultural and technological development, which is vividly illustrated by the vast complex of ancient flint mines at Spiennes.

Criterion iv: The flint mines at Spiennes are outstanding examples of the Neolithic mining of flint, which marked a seminal stage of human technological and cultural progress.

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