Neolithic
The Neolithic, also known as the New Stone Age, is a period in the development of human technology that is traditionally the last part of the Stone Age. It broadly spans from around 10,200 BC to between 4,500 and 2,000 BC, depending on the region. It is characterized by the development of agriculture, including the cultivation of crops and the domestication of animals, leading to settled communities and the use of pottery and polished stone tools.
The term "Neolithic" was coined by Sir John Lubbock in his 1865 book Pre-historic Times. It represents a significant shift from the Paleolithic (Old Stone Age) and Mesolithic (Middle Stone Age) periods, where humans were primarily nomadic hunter-gatherers.
Key features of the Neolithic include:
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Agriculture: The most defining characteristic. The development of farming allowed for a more stable food supply, supporting larger populations and permanent settlements. Common crops included wheat, barley, rice, and maize depending on the geographic location.
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Domestication of Animals: Animals such as sheep, goats, pigs, and cattle were domesticated for food, labor, and other resources.
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Sedentism: The transition from a nomadic lifestyle to settled village life. Agriculture allowed people to stay in one place and build permanent structures.
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Pottery: The invention of pottery allowed for the storage of food and liquids, which was essential for settled agricultural communities.
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Polished Stone Tools: While stone tools were used throughout the Stone Age, Neolithic tools were often polished to a finer edge, making them more efficient for farming and other tasks.
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Architecture: The construction of more permanent dwellings and communal structures such as temples and storage facilities.
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Social Organization: Increased social complexity and stratification, with the emergence of specialized roles and social hierarchies.
The end of the Neolithic period is generally marked by the introduction of metalworking, specifically the Bronze Age. However, the transition from the Neolithic to the Bronze Age varied significantly across different regions of the world. The Neolithic period had a profound impact on human history, laying the foundations for the development of civilizations and complex societies.