What Is Linear Pottery
Linear Pottery, also known as the Linear Band Ware, Linear Ceramics, or Incised Ware culture, was an archaeological period during the European Neolithic period.
It thrived from around 5500-4500 BC and primarily existed in the middle Danube, upper and middle Elbe, and upper and middle Rhine regions.
The culture originated in the middle Danube region and gradually expanded over 360 years, covering a distance of about 1,500 km.
The LBK introduced the cultivation of barley, millet, and lentils, and relied on livestock such as cattle, goats, and swine.
Their settlements included large longhouses and were organized into villages.
The LBK practiced specialization of labor and commerce, using different materials from different regions.
They used flint and obsidian for their tool kit and had a social structure that is not fully understood.
The belief systems of the LBK population are also poorly understood.
Did You Know?
1. Linear Pottery, also known as Linearbandkeramik (LBK), is a neolithic culture named after the distinctive linear incised decoration found on its ceramic pottery.
2. The Linear Pottery culture originated in Central Europe around 5500 BC and lasted until approximately 4500 BC, making it one of the oldest agricultural societies in Europe.
3. The LBK people were pioneers in the adoption of farming practices. They cultivated cereals, vegetables, and raised livestock like pigs, cattle, and sheep.
4. The Linear Pottery culture reached a wide expanse across Europe, spanning from the Paris Basin in the west to the Ukraine in the east.
5. Some archaeological evidence suggests that the Linear Pottery people had a complex social structure and engaged in trade networks over long distances, as goods like flint, shells, and obsidian have been found outside their typical geographic range.
Introduction To Linear Pottery Culture
The Linear Pottery culture (LBK), also known as the Linear Band Ware, Linear Ware, Linear Ceramics, or Incised Ware culture, was a significant period in the European Neolithic era, thriving from around 5500-4500 BC. It had a remarkable presence in the middle Danube, upper and middle Elbe, and upper and middle Rhine regions.
Notable archaeological sites affiliated with this culture include Vrable and Nitra in Slovakia, Bylany in the Czech Republic, and Langweiler and Zwenkau in Germany.
The LBK culture originated in the middle Danube region and expanded gradually over the course of 360 years, covering an impressive distance of about 1,500 km. Considered part of the broader Neolithic period in Europe, this culture witnessed various chronological phases.
Key points about the LBK culture:
- Introduced the cultivation of crops such as barley, millet, and lentils.
- Relied on cattle, goats, and swine for their livestock.
- LBK settlements were characterized by large homes called longhouses, some measuring up to 7.0 meters wide, and varying in length, with extraordinary instances reaching 45 meters.
- These settlements were organized in villages, typically spaced about 20 meters apart.
Fun fact: The LBK culture had a lasting impact on prehistoric Europe and played a crucial role in the development of farming societies in the region.
Geographic Distribution Of Lbk
The LBK culture flourished in specific regions, primarily centered around a few central locations. Its heartland encompassed the middle Danube, upper and middle Elbe, and upper and middle Rhine regions. The significance of this distribution lies in the cultural developments and interactions that took place within these areas during the Neolithic period.
The LBK culture gradually expanded its influence over hundreds of years, covering vast distances of terrain. This expansion not only shaped the culture itself but also had a profound impact on the subsequent cultures that emerged in the areas formerly dominated by the LBK.
Notably, the LBK culture was eventually succeeded by a range of different cultures, such as the Hinkelstein, Großgartach, Rössen, Lengyel, Cucuteni-Trypillian, and Boian-Maritza cultures. These successor cultures absorbed and built upon the knowledge and practices of the LBK, contributing to the dynamic cultural landscape of the Neolithic period in Europe.
Agriculture And Livestock In Lbk
One of the notable contributions of the LBK culture was its introduction of advanced agriculture and livestock rearing techniques. The LBK people were pioneers in cultivating crops such as barley, millet, and lentils. This shift from a hunter-gatherer lifestyle to an agricultural one had a profound impact on the development and structure of human societies. The cultivation of these crops not only provided a stable food source but also facilitated the establishment of permanent settlements and the growth of populations.
In addition to agriculture, the LBK culture placed great importance on livestock. Cattle, goats, and swine were the primary domesticated animals for the LBK people. These animals played a crucial role not only in providing food but also in shaping the socio-economic structure of their society. The reliance on livestock allowed for the development of specialized labor, trade, and commerce within and between LBK settlements.
Settlements And Architecture Of Lbk
The LBK culture is renowned for its distinctive settlements and architectural achievements. One of the notable features of LBK settlements was the presence of large homes called longhouses. These longhouses, with widths of up to 7.0 meters, varied in length, with some extraordinary examples reaching a staggering 45 meters. Such impressive structures indicate a high level of craftsmanship and engineering skills possessed by the LBK people.
LBK settlements were organized into villages, with individual longhouses spaced about 20 meters apart from each other. The spacing between settlements and the layout of the villages demonstrate a level of organization and planning. It is likely that these settlements were not random but rather strategically positioned to optimize agricultural potential and facilitate communication and trade between neighboring communities.
In some instances, LBK settlements were fortified with palisades and outer ditches. These defensive measures suggest the existence of external threats or the need for territorial demarcation. The thorough planning and fortification of LBK settlements offer valuable insights into the social dynamics and interactions of the culture.
Culture And Belief Systems Of Lbk
The LBK culture possessed a distinct social structure and belief system, although many aspects still remain poorly understood. Communal housing and signs of violence have been observed in archaeological findings, suggesting the existence of complex social dynamics within LBK communities. The precise hierarchical structure and governance of the LBK society, however, remain subjects of ongoing research.
Regarding belief systems, the LBK culture’s religious practices are also not fully comprehended. However, based on cultural artifacts and iconography discovered at archaeological sites, a mother goddess model has been proposed. This proposed model suggests the veneration and worship of a maternal deity, possibly associated with fertility and agricultural abundance. The insufficient information available on LBK belief systems calls for further study and analysis to gain a more comprehensive understanding of their cultural and religious practices.
The Linear Pottery culture, also known as LBK, played a crucial role in the European Neolithic period. This vibrant and influential culture originated in the middle Danube region and gradually expanded over a considerable distance, spanning various geographic regions. The LBK contributed significantly to the development of agriculture and livestock rearing techniques, settlement patterns, and architectural achievements. Moreover, their social structure and belief systems, although not fully understood, provide valuable insights into the cultural and religious practices of this fascinating civilization.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called linear pottery culture?
The designation “Linear Pottery Culture” arises from the distinct pottery style associated with this ancient culture. Renowned for its finely crafted ceramic vessels, the Linear Pottery Culture featured pottery decorated with intricate patterns of parallel lines arranged in captivating spiral or meander designs. The cultural significance and prevalence of these linear patterns in their pottery earned the culture its name, emphasizing this unique aspect of their artistic expression. Furthermore, in addition to their mastery in pottery, the Linear Pottery Culture also relied heavily on polished stone adzes for various tasks, signifying their advanced capabilities in crafting stone tools.
What is Linearbandkeramik known for?
Linearbandkeramik, commonly known as LBK, is renowned for its pivotal role in the Neolithization of central Europe. It represents a cultural and genetic bridge between western Anatolia and European Mesolithic hunter-gatherer societies. The LBK’s distinct characteristics reflect the fusion of its Anatolian origins with the indigenous European traditions, making it a significant and fascinating cultural entity. This pottery culture not only shaped the region’s economic landscape but also played a crucial role in shaping the social and technological advancements of central Europe during the Neolithic era.
Where did linear pottery farmers preferred to settle in?
The linear pottery farmers of the Neolithic Linear Pottery culture were known to prefer settling on the fertile loess plains of Dutch Limburg and Belgium around 6500 years ago. These regions offered ideal conditions for agriculture, with their nutrient-rich soil and favorable climate. The farmers recognized the potential of these areas for cultivating crops and establishing successful settlements, which allowed them to introduce Neolithic lifeways to the region and pave the way for the development of early farming communities.
What is LBK in archeology?
LBK, also known as the Linearbandkeramik, refers to the earliest Neolithic culture found in Central Europe. Spanning a vast area from western Hungary to the Paris Basin, Ukraine, and the Northern European Plain, LBK holds great significance in archaeology. This culture emerged around 5600-5500 cal BCE and provides valuable insights into the early agricultural practices and settlement patterns of the region. Understanding LBK sheds light on the foundations of Central European civilization and its development during this pivotal period in history.