(From Greek νέος, “new” and λίθος, “stone”). The Neolithic is an archaeological period, the final division of the Stone Age in Asia, Europe and Africa (ca. 10,000 BCE to ca. 2,000 BCE). The “Neolithic Revolution” was the most important turning point in human history. This period witnessed the first successful domestication of animals and grains. From nomadic hunting and gathering, people trans-itioned to building permanent settlements. This new way of life encouraged the development of new crafts, such as pottery and weaving. These developments began in the Near East and Mesopotamia about 10,000 BCE and appeared later independently in several parts of the world.

Highlights of Neolithic architecture include the settlement and temple (?) at Göbekli Tepe, Türkiye (ca. 9,500–8,000 BCE), the domestic architecture at Çatalhöyük, Türkiye (ca. 7,500 BCE), the village at Skara Brae, Orkney (ca. 3,500 BCE), and the impressive, Late Neolithic monument of Stonehenge, England (ca. 3,100 BCE). Noteworthy examples of Neolithic art include the Jericho skull (ca. 7,500 BCE), the plaster statues from ‘Ain Ghazal, Jordan (ca. 7,250 BCE) and the sophisticated jade carvings of the Hongshan culture in China (ca. 3,800–2,700 BCE).

Göbekli Tepe. Taş Tepeler, Şanlıurfa Province, Türkiye. Pre-pottery Neolithic. Ca. 9,500 BCE–ca. 8,000 BCE.