Definition: The Neolithic ("new stone age") period designation is a prime example of how science doesn't come as clean as you can think it (apologies to A.N. Whitehead), at least in archaeology. The term Neolithic was invented to identify the period in human prehistory when agriculture and pottery were developed in Europe and when stone tools were still being utilized (rather than metal ones). Over the years it has become apparent that agriculture and pottery do not necessarily go hand-in-hand or before metallurgy. A good exemplar of this is the results from Google's vocabulary search, linked below.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Sources for the term include the references listed on the front page of the Dictionary, and the websites listed in the sidebar. Any mistakes are the responsibility of Kris Hirst.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Sources for the term include the references listed on the front page of the Dictionary, and the websites listed in the sidebar. Any mistakes are the responsibility of Kris Hirst.
