Neolithic Period
The Neolithic Period, also known as the Neolithic Age, represents a period that is considered the harbinger of a great revolution in prehistoric times. This period took place between 10,000 BC and 4,000 BC and was an important turning point in human history. The Neolithic Period represents a phase in which there was a transition from a hunting and gathering economy to settled agricultural societies.
Agricultural Revolution and Transition to Settled Life
The most important feature of the Neolithic Period is the agricultural revolution. People began to engage in agriculture by consciously domesticating plants and animals. This process is characterized by people selecting wild plants, making them cultivated, and domesticating animals and feeding them in a controlled manner. Agriculture allowed people to obtain more food, increase their population, and settle down.
Formation of Settled Societies
The Neolithic Period symbolizes a period in which people gradually settled down. The first agricultural communities focused on agricultural production by establishing permanent settlements in areas close to water sources. This has led to communities increasing in size and complexity, while also encouraging the emergence of specific areas of expertise.