The Neolithic of Europe

This module provides a broad outline of the development from the first farming communities in Europe to the beginning of the Bronze age.

We will discuss the different explanatory frameworks offered for the introduction and spread of the Neolithic economy and the formation of early stratified societies. The module will explore the changing definitions of the Neolithic, look at the Mesolithic background, follow the introduction of farming in the Aegean, the Balkans, the Mediterranean, central and Northern Europe, the lake shore settlements of Central Europe, Megalithic monuments, the Tells of Southern Europe, the settlement of the steppe, the first metals, the inventions of charts and the Bell Beaker network.