Description: The Neolithic, meaning ‘new stone’, is the last stage of the Stone Age, characterized by the development of agriculture and the domestication of animals. This period, which extends approximately from 10,000 BC to 3,000 BC, marked a radical transformation in human life, shifting from nomadic hunter-gatherer societies to sedentary communities that cultivated the land. During the Neolithic, stone tools were refined, leading to more specialized instruments such as sickles and hoes, which facilitated agriculture. Additionally, pottery and weaving techniques were developed, allowing communities to produce and store food and goods. This period is also characterized by the construction of permanent settlements and the emergence of more complex social structures, laying the groundwork for the development of later civilizations. Life in the Neolithic was marked by a change in the relationship between humans and their environment, where agriculture not only provided a more stable food source but also fostered population growth and labor specialization, aspects that would be fundamental for the advancement of human society.
History: The Neolithic began around 10,000 BC in the Fertile Crescent, a region encompassing parts of present-day Turkey, Syria, Iraq, Israel, and Jordan. This period is characterized by the transition from hunting and gathering to agriculture, allowing for the establishment of permanent communities. As agricultural techniques were refined, food production increased, leading to population growth. By around 3,000 BC, the Neolithic gave way to the Bronze Age, marking the beginning of metallurgy and the development of more complex societies.
Uses: During the Neolithic, agriculture became the primary form of subsistence, allowing communities to cultivate grains such as wheat and barley, as well as legumes. The domestication of animals, such as sheep, goats, and cattle, provided not only food but also materials like wool and leather. Additionally, pottery was used for storing food and water, while weaving allowed for the production of clothing and other textiles.
Examples: Examples of Neolithic settlements include Çatalhöyük in Turkey, where adobe houses and a rich variety of art have been found. Another example is Jericho, in present-day West Bank, which is considered one of the oldest settlements in the world, with evidence of agriculture and defensive structures.
