What did the Mesolithic people eat in their time period?

They subsisted primarily on wild plants and animals available in their environment.

Their diet included a variety of food items, such as:

1. Wild Animals:

- Large game animals such as deer, elk, bison, and wild boar provided a significant portion of meat in the Mesolithic diet.

- Smaller animals like rabbits, hares, and birds were also hunted.

- Fishing and spearfishing techniques allowed them to catch fish from rivers, lakes, and coastal areas.

2. Wild Plants:

- Mesolithic people gathered a wide array of wild plants, fruits, nuts, seeds, and roots.

- Plants like nuts, berries, mushrooms, and leafy greens were collected during seasonal cycles of abundance.

3. Shellfish:

- Coastal communities relied heavily on shellfish such as oysters, mussels, clams, and limpets, which were abundant along the shores.

4. Insects:

- Insects, including grasshoppers, locusts, and beetles, were consumed as a food source in some areas.

5. Eggs:

- Bird eggs, especially from waterfowl, were collected and eaten when available.

6. Small Mammals:

- Rodents like squirrels, field mice, and voles were hunted or trapped for food.

7. Freshwater Fish:

- In addition to coastal fishing, freshwater fish species were caught in rivers and lakes using spears, traps, and nets.

8. Wild Honey:

- Honey and honeycombs from wild beehives were sought after for their sweetness and nutritional value.

9. Wild Grains and Legumes:

- Mesolithic people began experimenting with cultivating wild grains like barley, wheat, and rye, although these practices were still limited.

10. Nuts and Seeds:

- These were also important food sources, as they were high in calories and nutrients. Nuts such as hazelnuts and walnuts, as well as seeds like acorns, were collected and often stored for later consumption.

It is important to note that the Mesolithic diet varied greatly depending on the specific geographic location, climate, and resources available to different groups of people around the world. Mesolithic societies also engaged in trade and cultural exchanges, which further influenced their dietary practices.