processes. Due to its physical properties, rock crystal was frequently used as a lithic raw material for the production of tools and weapons in prehistoric times. Recently, the first mining sites where the material was aquired in large quantities, were discovered. One of them is situated near Eggishorn Mountain in the Upper Valais (Switzerland) at an elevation of 2600 m above sea level. The archaeological finds and features date to the Early Mesolithic (almost 10,000 years ago) and to a younger phase of the Neolithic.

The talk presents the results of a petrographic characterisation of the material occurring at the investigated site. It provides a description of the fluid inclusions within the quartz crystals and an overview over the related mineral paragenesis.
This gives interesting new insights into the formation of the analysed fissure and allows comparing rock crystal artefacts found in other archaeological sites to this particular source. The results form the basis for further investigations concerning mobility patterns and trade networks in the past.

The history and evolution of our species has always been closely linked with environmental factors. During the last years, the dramatic consequences of climate change and catastrophic events had an impact on humanity on a global level. In combination with methodologies from a variety of partner disciplines, Prehistoric Archaeology is the only academic field that analyses the interdependence between human societies and changing environmental conditions from a long-term perspective and based on the study of material culture. Therefore, it leads to a better understanding of the use of resources throughout time and space and is able to contribute to the solution of several problems that we are facing today. The last time human beings were subject to equally rapid changes, was towards the end of the last ice age (Late Glacial Interstadial), around 14,500 years ago. This period was marked by the disappearance of large reindeer herds in Central Europe and important innovations such as the widespread use of bow and arrow or domesticated dogs for hunting. The lecture gives an overview over the various ways in which interactions with natural resources have influenced human history and evolution. Based on several case studies, it shows how people adapted to new climatic conditions and challenges in the past. Finally, it presents strategies developed by prehistoric societies aimed at a more efficient and sustainable use of resources that could also lead to practical implications in the presence.