Course aims:

The course aims to deepen knowledge about the issues raised by the process of neolithization of southeastern and central Europe, in the context of the end of the Mesolithic and the "Neolithic revolution" in the "Fertile Crescent" region.
The course aims to gain knowledge of the creations of the civilizations of Old Europe. Comparing the Balkan Neolithic civilization (the civilization of Old Europe) with contemporary civilizations in Western Europe.
The course aims to acquire specialized language and the ability to communicate project results and evaluation conclusions.

Course Entry Requirements:

N/A

Course contents:

Chronological and terminology issues regarding the Neolithic and Eneolithic. The main characteristics of the period; Epipaleolithic and/or Mesolithic? The climate changes of Central and Eastern Europe at the end of the Holocene; Pre Pottery Neolithic A-B. The "Fertile Crescent"; The Early Neolithic and the problems of neolithization. The main archaeological sites and significant discoveries; Ethnocultural processes at the genesis of the middle and late Neolithic and early Copper Agein the intra Charpathian area; East Carpathian Neolithic and Eneolithic Civilizations; Neolithic and Eneolithic cultures in the Balkans; Neolithic civilizations of Central Europe; Mega sites of the Cucuteni-Tripolje civilization.

Teaching methods:

Power Point presentation

Learning outcomes:

The acquisition of the knowledge in archaeology of Old Europe and the ability to operate with the specific concepts of this field.

Learning outcomes verification and assessment criteria:

80% - oral examination; 20% - paper presentation from the seminar themes

Recommended reading:

P. Bellwood,, First Farmers. The Origins of Agriculturals Societies, Blackwell Publishing, Oxford, 2005,
J. Chapman, Forging identities in the prehistory of Old Europe. Dividuals, individuals and communities, 7000-3000 BC, Sidestone Press, Leiden, 2020,
A. Whittle, The archaeology of people. Dimensions of neolithic life, Routledge Publishing, London, 2003,