Key Notes on Neolithic Period and Monumental Centers

Spread of Neolithic Farming in Europe

• Farmers migrated from SW Asia to Europe, introducing agriculture and domesticated animals.
• Evidence from radiocarbon dating and genetic studies indicates complex interactions:
• Replacement of some hunter-gatherer cultures.
• Interbreeding with local populations in areas like Denmark.
• Three waves of farmers identified through DNA and archaeological sites.

Neolithic Monuments

• Monument construction was a significant aspect of Neolithic community life in Europe.
• Purposes included:
• Communal mortuaries
• Astronomical observation
• Prestige and social gatherings.

Types of Megalithic Monuments:

• Menhirs: Standing stones, possibly with astronomical significance (e.g., Carnac, NW France).
• Henges: Enclosures with standing stones or timber, often associated with burials.
• Tombs: Types include dolmens, gallery graves, and passage graves.

Stonehenge:

• Located in a rich archaeological landscape, aligned with astronomical events.
• Linked to burial practices with evidence of cremations in ditches.
• May represent a unifying monument bringing together diverse communities.
• Bluestones sourced from Prescelly Mountains and transported to the site.

Durrington Walls:

• Seasonal settlement related to Stonehenge, featuring numerous small houses for temporary inhabitants.
• Evidence suggests seasonal feasting rather than year-round habitation.

Ötzi the Iceman:

• A significant Late Neolithic find, providing insights into health, diet, and daily life.
• His well-preserved body includes clothing, tools (like a copper axe), and dietary remnants (goat bacon).
• Ötzi reveals details of travel and health, including tattoos possibly linked to acupuncture.