Neolithic

Glossaries

Term	Definition
Neolithic	The Neolithic was the final major period of prehistory before the appearance of writing in many parts of the world. It is characterised by the development of agriculture, animal domestication and permanent settlements. The Neolithic, or New Stone Age, represents the final major period of prehistory before the transition to protohistory or recorded history, depending on the region. It did not begin simultaneously across the world: it emerged around 10,000 BC in the Near East but appeared several millennia later in many parts of Europe, Africa and Asia. The defining feature of the Neolithic is the gradual transition from economies based on hunting, fishing and gathering to systems centred on agriculture and animal husbandry. This profound transformation is commonly referred to as the Neolithic Revolution. The domestication of plants and animals led to increasing sedentarisation and the establishment of permanent villages. Some settlements developed defensive structures such as ditches and walls, while more complex territorial organisations emerged. Technological developments also accelerated during this period. Stone tools became more specialised and were frequently polished to improve efficiency. Pottery became widespread, facilitating food storage and transport, while weaving, basket-making and other crafts expanded considerably. The Neolithic witnessed the emergence of increasingly complex social structures, including the gradual specialisation of labour and craft production. Long-distance trade networks developed for materials such as obsidian, flint and other valuable resources. Many regions also saw the construction of the first monumental structures, including megaliths, dolmens, menhirs and burial mounds. These monuments reflect increasingly sophisticated religious beliefs, funerary practices and the ability of communities to organise large-scale collective projects. Agricultural expansion transformed natural landscapes as forests were cleared to create farmland and grazing areas. The Neolithic therefore represents one of the most important turning points in human history, laying the economic, social and cultural foundations for the first urban civilisations that would emerge during the Bronze and Iron Ages.

Term

Definition

The Neolithic was the final major period of prehistory before the appearance of writing in many parts of the world. It is characterised by the development of agriculture, animal domestication and permanent settlements.

The Neolithic, or New Stone Age, represents the final major period of prehistory before the transition to protohistory or recorded history, depending on the region. It did not begin simultaneously across the world: it emerged around 10,000 BC in the Near East but appeared several millennia later in many parts of Europe, Africa and Asia.

The defining feature of the Neolithic is the gradual transition from economies based on hunting, fishing and gathering to systems centred on agriculture and animal husbandry. This profound transformation is commonly referred to as the Neolithic Revolution.

The domestication of plants and animals led to increasing sedentarisation and the establishment of permanent villages. Some settlements developed defensive structures such as ditches and walls, while more complex territorial organisations emerged.

Technological developments also accelerated during this period. Stone tools became more specialised and were frequently polished to improve efficiency. Pottery became widespread, facilitating food storage and transport, while weaving, basket-making and other crafts expanded considerably.

The Neolithic witnessed the emergence of increasingly complex social structures, including the gradual specialisation of labour and craft production. Long-distance trade networks developed for materials such as obsidian, flint and other valuable resources.

Many regions also saw the construction of the first monumental structures, including megaliths, dolmens, menhirs and burial mounds. These monuments reflect increasingly sophisticated religious beliefs, funerary practices and the ability of communities to organise large-scale collective projects.

Agricultural expansion transformed natural landscapes as forests were cleared to create farmland and grazing areas.

The Neolithic therefore represents one of the most important turning points in human history, laying the economic, social and cultural foundations for the first urban civilisations that would emerge during the Bronze and Iron Ages.