The Neolithic Age, also known as the “New Stone Age,” is a period of prehistory that began around 10,000 BCE and lasted until around 3,000 BCE. This era is marked by the development of agriculture and the domestication of animals, which led to the formation of permanent settlements and the rise of civilizations. This period is also referred to as the Neolithic Revolution because it marked a major shift in human society and culture.
One of the most well-known Neolithic sites is Çatalhöyük, located in present-day Turkey. This ancient city, which was first excavated by James Mellaart in the 1960s, is believed to have been inhabited between 7,500 and 5,500 BCE. The city is unique because it was built as a continuous settlement, with houses stacked on top of each other and no streets. The art and artifacts found at Çatalhöyük provide valuable insights into the daily lives and beliefs of the Neolithic people who lived there.
Another significant Neolithic site is Burzahom, located in present-day India. This site is known for its unique underground stone-lined burials and evidence of early agriculture. Another important site is the Causewayed Enclosure at Windmill Hill, England, which is an early Neolithic ritual enclosure.
The Neolithic period also saw the development of new tools and technologies, such as the polished stone tools, made by the people of Liangzhu culture, which was a major civilization in East Asia. The Neolithic period also saw the development of pottery, including the Yangshao pottery which is considered as one of the earliest pottery in China.
The Neolithic period is also known for its art and artifacts, such as the V-perforated buttons found at Hongshan sites in China and the standing stones of Stenness, Scotland. The Neolithic period also saw the development of the first Neolithic sculptures, such as the Hamangia Thinker, found in Romania.
In conclusion, the Neolithic Age was a crucial period in human history, marked by the development of agriculture, the domestication of animals, and the rise of civilizations. The sites and artifacts from this period provide valuable insights into the daily lives and beliefs of our ancestors, and the Neolithic Revolution remains an important milestone in human history.
