Major Neolithic Settlements to Know for Origins of Civilization

Major Neolithic settlements mark a turning point in human history, showcasing the shift from nomadic lifestyles to agriculture and permanent communities. Sites like Çatalhöyük and Jericho reveal early social structures, architectural advancements, and the beginnings of complex societies.

1. Çatalhöyük, Turkey

   • One of the largest and best-preserved Neolithic settlements, dating back to around 7500 BCE.
   • Characterized by densely packed mud-brick houses with no streets, promoting communal living.
   • Evidence of early agricultural practices, including the cultivation of wheat and barley, and domestication of animals.

2. Jericho, West Bank

   • Considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with evidence of settlement dating back to 9000 BCE.
   • Known for its impressive stone walls and tower, indicating advanced architectural skills and social organization.
   • Early evidence of agriculture, including the cultivation of figs, which suggests a shift from foraging to farming.

3. Mehrgarh, Pakistan

   • An important site for understanding the transition from hunting-gathering to settled agricultural life, dating from 7000 BCE.
   • Evidence of early farming practices, including the domestication of wheat, barley, and livestock such as cattle and sheep.
   • Notable for its advanced pottery and bead-making techniques, indicating a complex society with trade networks.

4. Banpo, China

   • A well-preserved Neolithic village dating back to around 4500 BCE, showcasing early Chinese agricultural practices.
   • Houses were built in a circular layout, with evidence of communal living and shared resources.
   • Artifacts include pottery, tools, and evidence of domesticated pigs, highlighting the importance of agriculture in daily life.

5. Skara Brae, Scotland

   • A Neolithic village dating back to around 3200 BCE, known for its stone-built houses and advanced drainage systems.
   • Provides insight into the daily lives of its inhabitants, including their diet, social structure, and craftsmanship.
   • The site reflects a settled lifestyle with evidence of agriculture, fishing, and animal husbandry.

6. Göbekli Tepe, Turkey

   • An archaeological site dating back to around 9600 BCE, often considered the world's oldest known temple complex.
   • Features massive stone pillars arranged in circular formations, suggesting ritualistic and communal activities.
   • Challenges traditional views of the Neolithic, indicating that complex societies may have existed before agriculture became widespread.

7. Tell es-Sultan, Jordan

   • The ancient site of Jericho, with layers of habitation dating back to 10,000 BCE, showcasing early urban development.
   • Known for its fortifications and evidence of early agriculture, including the cultivation of grains and legumes.
   • Provides insights into the social and economic structures of early Neolithic communities.

8. Ain Ghazal, Jordan

   • A significant Neolithic settlement dating from 7250 to 5000 BCE, known for its large population and complex social organization.
   • Features large plastered statues and figurines, indicating a rich cultural and spiritual life.
   • Evidence of agriculture and animal domestication, highlighting the transition to a settled lifestyle.

9. Çayönü, Turkey

   • A Neolithic site dating back to around 7500 BCE, known for its early agricultural practices and domestication of plants and animals.
   • Features unique architectural styles, including rectangular houses and communal spaces.
   • Provides evidence of social stratification and complex societal structures.

10. Jarmo, Iraq

    • An important Neolithic site dating back to around 7000 BCE, known for its early agricultural practices and pottery.
    • Evidence of domesticated plants and animals, indicating a shift from nomadic to settled lifestyles.
    • Offers insights into the daily lives and social organization of early farming communities.