Neolithic: meaning, definitions and examples
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neolithic
[ niːəˈlɪθɪk ]
historical period
The term 'Neolithic' refers to the last phase of the Stone Age, when humans began to practice agriculture and settle in one place. This period is characterized by the development of farming, the domestication of animals, and the establishment of permanent settlements. It marked a significant transformation in human society, shifting from nomadic lifestyles to stable communities. The Neolithic era generally dates from around 10,000 BC to between 4500 and 2000 BC, depending on the region.
Synonyms
New Stone Age, agricultural revolution
Examples of usage
- The Neolithic revolution changed the course of human history.
- Many archaeological sites from the Neolithic period have been discovered.
- Neolithic tools were primarily made of polished stone.
Translations
Translations of the word "neolithic" in other languages:
🇵🇹 neolítico
🇮🇳 नवपाषाणकालीन
🇩🇪 neolithisch
🇮🇩 neolitik
🇺🇦 неоліт
🇵🇱 neolit
🇯🇵 新石器時代
🇫🇷 néolithique
🇪🇸 neolítico
🇹🇷 neolitik
🇰🇷 신석기 시대
🇸🇦 العصر الحجري الحديث
🇨🇿 neolit
🇸🇰 neolit
🇨🇳 新石器时代
🇸🇮 neolitik
🇮🇸 nýsteinaldar
🇰🇿 неолит
🇬🇪 ნეოლითი
🇦🇿 neolit
🇲🇽 neolítico
Etymology
The term 'Neolithic' originates from the Greek words 'neo', meaning 'new', and 'lithos', meaning 'stone'. It was coined in the 19th century by Sir John Lubbock in his book 'Prehistoric Times' to describe the period characterized by the use of polished stone tools and the beginnings of agriculture. The Neolithic era represents a major turning point in human history, where societies transitioned from a nomadic existence based on hunting and gathering to settled agricultural communities. This shift allowed populations to grow and develop more complex social structures, leading to the establishment of cities and civilizations. The Neolithic period is crucial for understanding the development of technology, trade, and culture in human history.