The Early Neolithic in Greece: The First Farming Communities in Europe

In this review of The Early Neolithic in Greece the reviewer finds a focused, scholarly look at the first farming communities that emerged around 7000 BC and their role linking the Near East to Europe. Intended for readers who want archaeology grounded in primary finds rather than broad overviews, the book stands out for using often neglected small finds and new interpretations of funerary practices and figurine distribution. The bottom line: this is a detailed, evidence-driven study best suited to students, researchers, and serious readers of ancient Greek prehistory.

Key Features

• Chronological focus: Concentrates on the sudden arrival of farming communities in Greece around 7000 BC to clarify the earliest phase of European agriculture.
• Archaeological evidence: Draws on a wide range of sources, including small finds and settlement data, to reconstruct daily life and craft traditions.
• Regional linkages: Traces the connection between Near Eastern agricultural origins and the later spread into the Balkans and Western Europe, offering clear comparative context.
• Funerary interpretation: Introduces daring new perspectives on ritual and burial that challenge simpler continuity models and invite rethinking of social structures.
• Figurine distribution: Maps and discusses the spread and meaning of figurines to build a more complex picture of belief and identity in early Neolithic villages.

Who It's For

The Early Neolithic in Greece is aimed at archaeology students, academic readers, and informed enthusiasts who want a close, source-based study rather than a general popular history. It is particularly valuable for those researching the transition to farming, settlement archaeology, and material culture such as ceramics and small finds.

Readers seeking an introduction for casual reading or a richly illustrated coffee-table book should look elsewhere, as the text prioritizes argument and analysis over broad narrative or lavish imagery. Specialists in nearby regions will find comparative value, but general histories may be easier entry points for newcomers.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Deep engagement with primary archaeological evidence makes the narrative reliable for academic use.
• Fresh interpretations of funerary ritual and figurine distribution encourage new research questions and debate.
• Clear linkage of Greek Neolithic sites to broader Near Eastern and European developments provides useful comparative framing.

Cons

• The focused, analytical approach may feel dense for casual readers or those seeking a general overview.

Specifications

Title	The Early Neolithic in Greece: The First Farming Communities in Europe
Series	Cambridge World Archaeology
Authors	Catherine Perles, Gerard Monthel
Geographic focus	Greece with links to the Near East and the Balkans
Period covered	Early Neolithic, around 7000 BC
Main evidence	Settlements, ceramics, small finds, funerary remains, figurines

Our Verdict

The Early Neolithic in Greece is a rewarding, evidence-rich study for students and scholars who need a rigorous account of the first farming villages and their material culture; its analytical depth and fresh interpretations make it good value for anyone focused on early European prehistory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this book cover archaeological finds in Greece only?
It focuses on Greek sites but places them in comparative perspective with the Near East and the Balkans to explain wider diffusion of farming and technologies.

Is this suitable for undergraduate courses?
Yes, especially for courses on Neolithic Europe or material culture, though instructors may supplement with broader overviews for newcomers.

Does the book include discussion of pottery and crafts?
Yes, ceramics and craft traditions are key parts of the evidence used to reconstruct settlement life and technological transfer.