Neolithic Timeline

Middle East (Around 9,000 B.C.)

9000 BCE

The Neolithic Era starts in the Middle or Near East. It is a time when people move from the hunting and gathering stage and start settling down in one location. They discover that seeds can be planted so crops can grow.

Eastern Asia Minor (Around 9,000 - 8,000 B.C.).

9000 BCE

Farming begins in the eastern part of Asia Minor or the southwestern part of Asia. Seeds are cultivated and animals are domesticated. People start setting up villages and small communities.

Tools (Around 9,000 - 3,000 B.C.).

9000 BCE

Some of the tools that are used during this time are sickles or curved cutting knives made of flint, and axes and hammers made of polished stone. Early millstones called querns are made of two pieces of stone and are used to grind grains into flour.

Storage (Around 9,000 - 3,000 B.C.).

9000 BCE

Some of the tools that are used during this time are sickles or curved cutting knives made of flint, and axes and hammers made of polished stone. Early millstones called querns are made of two pieces of stone and are used to grind grains into flour.

Domestication (Around 8,000 - 6,000 B.C.).

8000 BCE

Animals, such as sheep and goats, are herded and raised as food sources. Eventually pigs and cattle are domesticated as well

Indus Valley (Around 7,000 B.C. - 3,300 B.C.).

7000 BCE

The large fertile area of the Indus Valley in Ancient India is perfect for early food production. Wheat and barley and other cereals are early crops.

6500 B.C. Linen (Around 6,500 B.C.).

6500 BCE

Flax is grown. People eventually learn how to make it into the cloth known as linen that is used for clothing.

Çatal Höyük (Around 6,000 - 5,000 B.C.).

6000 BCE

In south central Asia Minor, the community of Çatal Höyük develops. Wheat, vegetables, and barley are grown. The area is full of the volcanic rock obsidian, which is used to make sharp blade tools and weapons. Houses are made with bricks of mud and straw.