A man buried in Jordan in the Neolithic era

The Pre-Pottery Neolithic B (PPNB) period in Jordan represents a critical epoch in Near Eastern prehistory, spanning roughly from 8800 to 6500 BCE. This era is crucial for understanding the rise of early farming communities and the transition from hunter-gatherer societies to more settled lifestyles. PPNB is part of the broader Neolithic transformation in the Levant, encompassing parts of modern-day Jordan, Israel, Syria, and adjacent regions.

Sociocultural Context

1. Community and Settlement Patterns:

   • PPNB communities were markedly larger and more complex than their Pre-Pottery Neolithic A (PPNA) predecessors. The period is characterized by the growth of substantial settlements, some sustaining hundreds of inhabitants.
   • These communities were generally sedentary, comprising tightly packed clusters of rectangular or square houses, reflecting advancements in architecture. Excavations reveal structures with stone foundations and mud-brick superstructures, equipped with multiple rooms and courtyards.

2. Social Organization:

   • There appears to be a move towards organized social structures, possibly hinting at some form of hierarchical organization or division of labor. Evidence for communal activities, such as large-scale construction projects, suggests coordinated group efforts.

3. Art and Symbolism:

   • The PPNB period is notable for its symbolic and artistic expressions, including plastered skulls, which indicate a form of ancestor veneration or ritual practice. The skulls were often painted and molded with plaster to resemble living faces.
   • Figurines made from stone, bone, and clay are prevalent, often interpreted as religious or symbolic artifacts.

Subsistence and Economy

1. Agriculture:

   • The PPNB marks significant strides in agriculture. Communities cultivated a variety of crops, including wheat, barley, lentils, and peas. This diversification is indicative of more sophisticated farming techniques and greater food security.
   • The era also sees the domestication of animals, with sheep, goats, cattle, and pigs becoming integral to the economy. This shift represents a move towards pastoralism alongside agriculture.

2. Trade and Exchange:

   • There is evidence of extensive trade networks, as indicated by the presence of exotic materials such as obsidian and shells, which were not locally available. Such trade networks imply sophisticated social connections and exchange systems.

Technological and Material Culture

1. Tool Production:

   • Lithic technology advanced significantly, with tools becoming more refined and specialized. Arrowheads, sickle blades, and other implements were often made using a technique known as pressure flaking, which allowed for greater precision.
   • The introduction of ground stone tools, such as axes and adzes, represents technological innovations aiding in agricultural clearing and building activities.

2. Construction Techniques:

   • Architecture from this period shows a notable sophistication, with the use of stone and mud bricks. Techniques for roofing and flooring also improved, providing more durable and weather-resistant structures.

Environmental and Geographic Factors

1. Climate and Geography:
   • The PPNB occurred during a relatively stable climatic period, supporting the expansion of agriculture. Jordan’s diverse topography, from the fertile Jordan Valley to the arid eastern desert, influenced settlement locations and subsistence strategies.
   • The environmental conditions allowed for experimentation with plant and animal domestication, crucial for the development of agriculture.

Archaeological Sites

1. Notable Sites:
   • Several key archaeological sites in Jordan, such as 'Ain Ghazal, Beidha, and Basta, provide critical insights into PPNB life. 'Ain Ghazal, near present-day Amman, is one of the largest known PPNB settlements, yielding artifacts such as plaster statues and structures, contributing to our understanding of social and ritual practices.

In summary, the Pre-Pottery Neolithic B period in Jordan was a transformational era, characterized by the emergence of large, complex communities that laid the groundwork for future civilizations. Through advancements in agriculture, domestication, and technology, these societies navigated and shaped their environment, setting the stage for the subsequent developments in the Neolithic and beyond.