A man buried in Croatia in the Middle Neolithic era

The Neolithic Starčevo culture, part of the broader Neolithic European context, is a significant archaeological culture that emerged around the 6th millennium BCE and lasted until approximately the 5th millennium BCE. It is named after the site of Starčevo in Serbia, but its influence extended over a broad region, including parts of modern-day Croatia, particularly in the region north of the Sava River and extending into the eastern parts of Slavonia.

Geographical Context:

This culture primarily developed in the Pannonian Basin, an area conducive to early agricultural endeavors due to its fertile lands formed by the Danube and Sava river systems. Within Croatia, major Neolithic Starčevo sites are found near rivers, indicating a preference for fertile floodplains that facilitated agriculture and settlement growth.

Chronological Framework:

The Starčevo culture is one of the earliest Neolithic cultures in the Balkans and Central Europe. It is contemporaneous and partially overlaps with other regional cultures like the Karanovo culture in Bulgaria and the Körös culture in Hungary. This period signifies the transition from hunter-gatherer societies to predominantly agrarian communities.

Cultural Characteristics:

Economy and Subsistence:

• Agriculture: Starčevo communities were among the first in the region to practice agriculture. They cultivated cereals such as wheat and barley, and they also grew legumes and fruits. This shift significantly influenced their sedentary lifestyle and settlement patterns.
• Animal Husbandry: Domestication of animals, including cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs, supplemented their diet. While agriculture formed the backbone of their subsistence, livestock likely held economic importance as well.
• Hunting and Gathering: Despite the dominance of farming, hunting and gathering persisted, providing a diverse diet and indicating a transitional phase in lifestyle.

Settlements:

• Architecture: Starčevo settlements were typically composed of small, semi-permanent dwellings. Structures were primarily wattle-and-daub constructions, suggesting a blend of permanence and mobility.
• Village Organization: These communities established small villages, often consisting of a few households. The choice of settlement locations near water sources and fertile land enabled them to sustain agricultural activities.

Material Culture:

• Pottery: The Starčevo culture is renowned for its pottery, which displays a range of forms and decorations. Early pottery was monochrome, gradually evolving into more complex designs with painted and incised decorations. This pottery is crucial for understanding the cultural and chronological framework of the era.
• Tools: Stone tools, including chipped and polished implements, were widely utilized. Flint and obsidian were common materials, crafted into tools for agriculture and domestic purposes. The presence of pottery and advanced tools signifies technological advancements and stability in lifestyle.

Social Organization:

• Community Structure: The available evidence suggests relatively egalitarian social structures with communal living. The limited differentiation in burial goods and domestic architecture indicates a low level of social stratification.
• Rituals and Beliefs: Some archaeological findings, like figurines and specific burial practices, suggest the presence of spiritual or ritual activities. However, detailed understanding of their belief systems remains limited.

Interactions and Legacy:

The Starčevo culture was instrumental in disseminating Neolithic practices such as farming and animal husbandry into Europe. It influenced subsequent Neolithic cultures, both geographically and culturally, and set the foundation for successive developments in the region.

Conclusion:

The Starčevo culture represents a formative period in European prehistory, marking significant transitions in lifestyle, technology, and social organization. Its contributions to agricultural practices and settlement patterns laid the groundwork for future cultural and social complexities in the Neolithic Balkans and beyond. With ongoing archaeological discoveries, our understanding of this culture continues to grow, shedding light on the intricacies and innovations of early Neolithic societies in Europe.