The Middle Paleolithic period follows the Lower Paleolithic and is characterized by the development of small flake tools. Regional specificities are evident in the facies, leading to the establishment of distinct traditions. Two prominent cultures of the Middle Paleolithic are the Aterian in Africa and the Mousterian in Europe. The Middle Paleolithic of Africa south of the Sahara is known as the Middle Stone Age. It encompasses various facies that correspond to different regions and periods.

• The Fauresmithian which owes its name to a locality in South Africa where industries of Mousterian appearance with Levallois debitage were found, and a tool kit composed of scrapers, points, bifaces and small cleavers;
• The Sangoen, recognized in Uganda and Rhodesia, is characterized by flake tools obtained by Levallois debitage, picks, bifaces and foliaceous pieces;
• The Stillbayen was defined in Stillbay, Cape Province, South Africa. It is represented by tools reminiscent of the advanced Mouterian, arranged on Levallois debitage products.
• The Aterian: this cultural facies belongs to the Middle and Upper Paleolithic. The eponymous site, Bir el-Ater is located near Constantine (Algeria). The Aterian lithic industry presents tools most often shaped on Levallois debitage products. The pedunculated points and scrapers which consist of the Aterian director fossil are accompanied by triangular points, scrapers and foliaceous points.