The Neolithic Period

The Neolithic Period

• The Neolithic era is the final period of Prehistory, within the Stone Age.
• It involves significant transformations in human life, especially in economy, society, and technology.
• The word "Neolithic" comes from the Greek words "neo" (new) and "lithos" (stone), translating to "new stone".
• It refers to innovations in the creation of polished stone tools that characterize this period.
• The Neolithic period is dated approximately between 8000 B.C. and 4500 B.C., but dates vary by region.

Neolithic Phases

• The Initial Neolithic phase dates approximately from 7000 B.C. to 5500 B.C.
• Agriculture and the domestication of plants and animals begin during this phase.
• Human communities start to establish permanent settlements.
• The first polished stone tools are developed, leading to a significant shift in lifestyles.
• Hunting and gathering transition to an economy based more on food production.
• The Full Neolithic phase dates from 5500 B.C. to 4000 B.C.
• There's a significant increase in agricultural and livestock production during this phase.
• More advanced techniques for cultivation and animal domestication are developed.
• The first social classes emerge due to population growth and job specialization.
• Villages begin to be constructed more complexly, leading to the emergence of the first civilizations.
• The Final Neolithic phase dates approximately from 4000 B.C. to 3000 B.C.
• The development of pottery, textiles, and other crafts intensifies.
• Architecture becomes more complex, with the construction of permanent structures.
• This period culminates with the emergence of more complex societies that eventually lead to the development of writing and the first civilizations.

Characteristics of the Neolithic Period

• Agriculture marked the first agricultural revolution.
• Humans began cultivating the land and selecting plants for consumption, providing more stable and predictable food.
• Domestication of animals was initiated, leading to development of livestock farming.
• This provided resources such as meat, milk, and other useful materials.
• The transition to an agricultural economy led communities to settle in one location, giving rise to the first towns and villages.
• Increased food production and improved living conditions led to significant population growth, contributing to a more complex society.
• Stone tools were refined, and new technologies like the loom and pottery were developed.
• The invention of the lathe improved pottery production.
• Neolithic art was seen in megalithic constructions and cave paintings that reflected cultural and ritual aspects of these communities.
• Architecture also evolved with the use of adobe for building houses.

Important Advancements

• Pottery was used for storing food and water, essential for agricultural communities.
• Decorated with impressions and encrusted designs, reflecting increasing cultural complexity.
• Spindles and rudimentary looms were used to create fabrics from wool and linen.
• Allowed the creation of clothing and other textile products.

Social Organization

• Leaders or chiefs of the community were initially elected but ended up concentrating power and wealth in specific families.
• Artisans and merchants played more specialized roles.
• Farmers and herders were the most numerous group but were less valued.

Division of Labor

• Men were generally involved in activities like hunting and defense.
• Women initially played a significant role in agricultural production.
• Over time, the role of women was restricted to more domestic and productive tasks like spinning and weaving.