PERIOD

IMPORTANT SETTLEMENTS

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS

EARLY NEOLITHIC

6500-5800 BC

Cnossos, Lerna, Sesklo, Frangthi, Elateia, Nea Makri, Prodromos, Nea Nikomidia.

Boeotia: Sarakenos Cave, Magoula Ballomenou, Kastellani, Arma, Kastro, Orchomenus.

Population increase, presence of permanent settlements, emergence of pottery and local variations (painted decoration in white or red).

MIDDLE NEOLITHIC

5800-5300 BC

Cnossos, Asine, Lerna, Sesklo, Frangthi, Sitagroi, Elateia.

Boeotia: Sarakenos Cave, Magoúla Balloménou, Glas, Thespiae, Orchomenus, Eutresis.

Occupation of existing settlements continues and local variations in ceramic vessels intensify (variety of pottery styles, painted and featuring incised ornamentation).

LATE NEOLITHIC

5300-4500 BC

Dimini, Cnossos, Phaestos, Phrangthi, Prosymna, Paradeisos, Sesklo, Kephala, Thoricus, Elateia.

Boeotia: Sarakenos Cave, Eutresis, Thebes, Plataea, Akraifnio, Orchomenus, Magoula Ballomenou.

Gradual multiplication of settlements in new sites, although older sites remain occupied. Dawn of metallurgy and exploitation of natural resources; advanced techniques appear, mainly in pottery (presence of ‘common’ painted decoration), early forms of trade, and first pieces of evidence suggesting a complex social structure.

FINAL NEOLITHIC

4500-3200 BC

Larisa, Rachmani, Aria, Sitagroi, Crete, Kephala.

Boeotia: Sarakenos Cave, Karamousa, Eutresis, Thebes.

This period is a tidemark between the Stone Age and the Bronze Age. The use of metal continues, while there is a prevalence of undecorated or monochrome pottery wares (often featuring relief or incised decoration).