The term "Pre-Pottery Neolithic" is used to describe a specific phase of the Neolithic period primarily because the communities of this era, who were among the very first to adopt agriculture, had not yet developed or utilized pottery.
Understanding the Name
The name itself clearly defines its key characteristic:
- "Pre-Pottery": This part signifies that the period predates the widespread invention and use of pottery. Early agricultural societies relied on other materials for storage, cooking, and daily life.
- "Neolithic": This refers to the "New Stone Age," a transformative period characterized by the shift from hunting and gathering to farming (agriculture) and the domestication of animals. It also saw the development of settled villages.
Key Characteristics of the Pre-Pottery Neolithic Period
During this significant phase of human history, communities laid the foundation for settled life without the ceramic technology that would become ubiquitous later.
- Absence of Pottery: People living in settlements like ancient Jericho had not discovered how to make or use pottery vessels. They likely used containers made from stone, basketry, wood, or gourds.
- Emergence of Agriculture: This was the crucial turning point. The inhabitants were the very first farmers, cultivating crops and beginning to domesticate animals, leading to a more sedentary lifestyle.
- Sedentary Lifestyles: The practice of farming encouraged people to settle in permanent villages rather than constantly moving in search of food.
- Early Settlement Structures: Evidence from archaeological sites reveals early forms of organized settlements, often with impressive stone structures.
Significance of the "Pre-Pottery" Distinction
The absence of pottery during this phase is a significant archaeological marker. It helps scholars differentiate between the earliest agricultural societies and those that followed, where pottery became a defining feature. The development of pottery was a major technological leap, offering new ways to store food, cook, and transport goods, profoundly impacting daily life and the growth of communities.
| Period Division | Defining Characteristic | Example Sites/Context |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Pottery Neolithic | Absence of fired clay pottery, beginning of agriculture. | Jericho (early phases), Çatalhöyük (early) |
| Pottery Neolithic | Widespread use of pottery, established farming. | Later phases of Neolithic cultures worldwide |
