Mesolithic

Mesolithic refers to an archeological period in the development of human culture spanning the time from the end of the last ice age to the domestication of plants and the beginning of farming settlements. Because agricultural communities formed at different times in different areas, the duration of the Mesolithic period varies by region, but it is generally considered to extend from about 10,000 to 4000 B.C.E. The period is considered a transition between the hunter-gathering societies of the Paleolithic and the settled communities and early cities of the Neolithic periods. In addition to agriculture, other notable human developments of the Mesolithic period were advanced tools, the first burial tombs, and the use of large stone blocks in artwork and architecture.

Background

The Paleolithic, Mesolithic, and Neolithic periods are three divisions of what archeologists refer to as the Stone Age. While the boundary dates are often disputed, the Stone Age is generally considered to have begun about 2.5 million years ago with the development of the first stone tools. It ended about 3300 B.C.E. when the first bronze tools were forged. The Paleolithic era is the earliest and longest period of the Stone Age. The term means "Old Stone Age" and derives from the Greek paleo, "old," and lithos, "stone." The Paleolithic period began with the first human ancestors and lasted until the last ice age ended about 10,000 B.C.E. Humans during this period were primarily nomadic peoples who used crude weapons and tools as part of their hunter-gatherer existence.

The Mesolithic era, or "Middle Stone Age"—from the Greek mesos, "middle"—is considered to have begun after the colder temperatures and tundra-like conditions of the last glacial period ended. As the climate warmed, the seas rose in many places, completely reworking the planet's surface. By about 5000 B.C.E, the geography of Earth took on the familiar shape it has in the modern era.

With the harsh conditions gone and more land available to them, Mesolithic humans no longer had to battle the environment in a never-ending struggle to find food. They slowly began to hunt in groups, domesticate animals, and form small communities. The seasonal conditions eventually led to the development of farming, as agriculture was a more stable means of supporting larger populations.

The transition brought about by agricultural development is called the Neolithic Revolution, and ushered in the Neolithic period, or "New Stone Age." Sustained farming allowed people to remain in one place longer and led to the development of cities and more cohesive societies. In time, these grew into advanced civilizations such as those found in Mesopotamia and Egypt.

Overview

While the Mesolithic period is considered to have begun about 10,000 B.C.E, its end varies by region and is the subject of debate among archeologists. The earliest forms of farming were developed in the Middle East, where figs, wheat, barley, and peas were cultivated soon after 10,000 B.C.E. By about 8000 B.C.E., agricultural settlements were already forming in the region, leading to the onset of the Neolithic period. By about 7000 B.C.E., farming had developed in southeastern Europe, and by 6000 B.C.E., it was prominent in Asia. The relatively quick transition to agricultural societies in these areas has led some archaeologists to classify this period outside of northern Europe as the Epipaleolithic period. They use the term Mesolithic only to describe the timeframe in northern Europe where farming settlements developed by about 4000 B.C.E.

Mesolithic peoples would have resembled modern humans in most aspects except in height. Evidence suggests that the average height of a woman was about five feet, while a man averaged about five feet four inches. As people began to settle in one area, their tools and weapons changed to accommodate new tasks such as clearing land and digging soil. Their chipped-stone tools became more polished and advanced, allowing for better hunting and farming.

With more settled communities also came a stronger cultural bond among groups. Archaeologists have found evidence of religious rituals among Mesolithic humans, suggesting they may have built monuments, perhaps to a chief or deity figure. While ancient humans have been known to bury their dead as far back as one hundred thousand years ago, the people of the Mesolithic period were the first to build large stone tombs or vaults to house the deceased. Archeologists have found burial sites in Ireland dating back to about 5500 B.C.E.; other sites on the continent were believed to have been built about 4500 to 4000 B.C.E. Some of these sites contain hints that Mesolithic Europe was a very warlike place. Evidence shows that many remains from the period display signs of violence, suggesting that fighting was commonplace.

Human artwork also advanced during the Mesolithic era, moving from the cave paintings of the Paleolithic era to outdoor representations on rock walls or cliffs. Whereas Paleolithic art tended to depict animals, Mesolithic rock art featured human figures, usually taking part in hunting, dancing, or other rituals. One of the largest collections of such rock paintings can be found on the eastern coast of Spain and dates as far back as 8000 B.C.E. Wood carving, pottery, and sculpture were also common during the period, as was the creation of items for bodily adornment, such as necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.

One of the distinctive contributions of Mesolithic artwork is the first use of large stone slabs called megaliths. These megaliths were often used in the construction of tombs or as monuments. Some of the earliest examples of megaliths were discovered at the remains of an ancient temple in southeastern Turkey called Gobekli Tepe. The site, which is believed to have been constructed about 9500 B.C.E., contains a number of carved megaliths as well as some of the oldest stone sculptures ever found.

Bibliography

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Bailey, Geoff, and Penny Spikins, editors. Mesolithic Europe. Cambridge University Press, 2008.

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"The Development of Agriculture." National Geographic, genographic.nationalgeographic.com/development-of-agriculture/. Accessed 17 Oct. 2016.

Foulds, Frederick W. F., et al., editors. Wild Things: Recent Advances in Palaeolithic and Mesolithic Research. Oxbow Books, 2014.

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"What Did Stone Age People Look Like?" National Museum of Denmark, en.natmus.dk/historical-knowledge/denmark/prehistoric-period-until-1050-ad/the-mesolithic-period/the-man-from-korsoer-nor/what-did-stone-age-people-look-like/. Accessed 17 Oct. 2016.