{"product_id":"the-early-neolithic-in-greece-the-first-farming-communities-in-europe","title":"The Early Neolithic in Greece: The First Farming Communities in Europe","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eChronological focus:\u003c\/strong\u003e Concentrates on the sudden arrival of farming communities in Greece around 7000 BC to clarify the earliest phase of European agriculture.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eArchaeological evidence:\u003c\/strong\u003e Draws on a wide range of sources, including small finds and settlement data, to reconstruct daily life and craft traditions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRegional linkages:\u003c\/strong\u003e Traces the connection between Near Eastern agricultural origins and the later spread into the Balkans and Western Europe, offering clear comparative context.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFunerary interpretation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Introduces daring new perspectives on ritual and burial that challenge simpler continuity models and invite rethinking of social structures.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFigurine distribution:\u003c\/strong\u003e Maps and discusses the spread and meaning of figurines to build a more complex picture of belief and identity in early Neolithic villages.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReaders 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDeep engagement with primary archaeological evidence makes the narrative reliable for academic use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFresh interpretations of funerary ritual and figurine distribution encourage new research questions and debate.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClear linkage of Greek Neolithic sites to broader Near Eastern and European developments provides useful comparative framing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe focused, analytical approach may feel dense for casual readers or those seeking a general overview.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTitle\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eThe Early Neolithic in Greece: The First Farming Communities in Europe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSeries\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCambridge World Archaeology\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAuthors\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCatherine Perles, Gerard Monthel\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGeographic focus\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGreece with links to the Near East and the Balkans\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePeriod covered\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEarly Neolithic, around 7000 BC\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMain evidence\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSettlements, ceramics, small finds, funerary remains, figurines\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes this book cover archaeological finds in Greece only?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this suitable for undergraduate courses?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, especially for courses on Neolithic Europe or material culture, though instructors may supplement with broader overviews for newcomers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes the book include discussion of pottery and crafts?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, ceramics and craft traditions are key parts of the evidence used to reconstruct settlement life and technological transfer.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Catherine Perles, Gerard Monthel","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48763150860507,"sku":"0521801818","price":110.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/71AO_iTVc1L._SL1000.jpg?v=1778499875","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/the-early-neolithic-in-greece-the-first-farming-communities-in-europe","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}