A man buried in Cyprus in the Neolithic era

The Pre-Pottery Neolithic B (PPNB) period in Cyprus, as part of the broader Neolithic Levant, represents a fascinating phase in the island's prehistoric development, spanning approximately from 8800 to 6500 BCE. This era is notable for significant advances in agricultural practices, architecture, and social organization, marking Cyprus's evolution from a primarily hunter-gatherer society to one that embraced farming and animal domestication.

Geographical and Environmental Context

During the PPNB period, Cyprus, located in the eastern Mediterranean, enjoyed a fertile environment with abundant natural resources. The island's diverse ecosystems, ranging from coastal plains to mountainous regions, provided a rich tapestry of wild flora and fauna, which played critical roles in shaping the subsistence practices of its inhabitants. The Mediterranean climate, with its mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers, was conducive to the emergence and flourishing of early agricultural communities.

Settlement Patterns and Architecture

PPNB Cyprus saw the establishment of permanent settlements, often situated near water sources and fertile land suitable for cultivation. The architecture from this period reflects a transition from temporary structures to more durable, permanent buildings. Excavations at sites like Khirokitia and Kalavassos-Ayios Dhimitrios provide evidence of round or semi-subterranean dwellings constructed using mudbrick and stone. These structures often had plastered floors and walls, indicating a significant investment in creating comfortable living spaces.

Communities during this era were typically organized into small villages, with social structures that suggest an egalitarian society. The layout of these settlements, with closely clustered houses and shared open areas, implies a cooperative lifestyle with strong communal ties.

Subsistence and Economy

The PPNB period marked a revolutionary shift in subsistence strategies, with the introduction of agriculture and animal husbandry. Early Cypriot farmers cultivated a variety of domesticated crops, including wheat, barley, lentils, and legumes. The domestication of animals, such as sheep, goats, and pigs, supplemented plant-based diets and provided resources like meat, milk, and wool.

The move towards an agrarian economy fostered the development of new tools and technologies. Stone tools, particularly those for harvesting and processing crops, became more sophisticated. The use of sickles, grinding stones, and mortars indicates an intricate knowledge of farming techniques. Moreover, hunting and foraging remained important, with evidence of wild deer and boar hunting supplementing domesticated food sources.

Material Culture and Technological Innovations

The material culture of PPNB Cyprus is rich and reflects a complex society with growing artistic expression and technological innovation. Pottery, although absent during the early PPNB, emerges towards the end of this period, indicating advances in ceramic technology. Prior to pottery, Neolithic Cypriots used stone, bone, and shell to create tools, ornaments, and figurative art.

Lithic technology, particularly the production of obsidian blades and tools, was highly developed. Obsidian, a volcanic glass not native to Cyprus, suggests trade or contact with Anatolia or the Near East, highlighting the island's connection within a broader regional network.

Religion and Ritual Practices

Religious and ritual practices during the PPNB period in Cyprus are inferred from archaeological findings, such as burials and symbolic artifacts. Human remains discovered in settlements often show evidence of secondary burial practices, where bodies were interred, exhumed, and reburied, sometimes with grave goods or personal ornaments. This suggests complex beliefs related to death and the afterlife.

Anthropomorphic and zoomorphic figurines, crafted from stone or clay, likely played roles in religious or ritual contexts, perhaps representing deities, totemic animals, or ancestral spirits. These artifacts provide clues to the spiritual life and cosmology of PPNB communities.

Cultural Interactions and Influence

Cyprus during the PPNB was not isolated; instead, it was part of a dynamic cultural interchange with neighboring regions. The import of obsidian and other exotic materials attests to long-distance trade and cultural exchange. This interaction facilitated the transmission of ideas, technologies, and practices, contributing to the Neolithic revolution that reshaped the island's social and economic landscape.

Legacy and Transition

The Pre-Pottery Neolithic B period laid the foundation for subsequent cultural and technological developments in Cyprus. As the island transitioned into the Pottery Neolithic era, many of the innovations in agriculture, architecture, and social organization established during the PPNB period continued to evolve, leaving a lasting legacy on the prehistoric trajectory of Cyprus.

In summary, the PPNB period in Cyprus represents a transformative epoch characterized by agricultural innovation, complex social structures, and cultural exchanges, setting the stage for future developments in Cypriot prehistory.