A man buried in Hungary in the Early Neolithic era

The Starčevo culture, also known as the Starčevo-Cris culture, represents an important phase in the early Neolithic period in Southeast Europe, dating approximately from 6200 to 5200 BCE. This culture is considered one of the first farming communities in the region and played a significant role in the spread of agriculture across Europe, marking a transition from hunter-gatherer societies to more settled agrarian communities. The Starčevo culture is part of a broader Neolithic phenomenon that includes similar developments in nearby regions such as the Körös and Criș cultures.

Geographical Distribution

The Starčevo culture primarily developed in the areas that are present-day Hungary, Serbia, Croatia, and Bosnia, with sites also appearing in Romania and Slovakia. It is named after the type site at Starčevo, near Belgrade, Serbia, but its influence extended across the Carpathian Basin, particularly in Southern and Central Hungary.

Settlement Patterns

Starčevo settlements were typically situated along river valleys and on fertile plains. These sites were usually small, consisting of a few houses made with wattle and daub, indicating a relatively low population density. The settlements displayed organized spatial arrangements, suggesting a degree of social organization and planning. Archaeological evidence shows that the Starčevo peoples preferred locations that offered both access to water and fertile land suitable for early farming.

Agricultural Practices

The Starčevo culture is characterized by its adoption of agriculture, which included the cultivation of crops such as emmer wheat, barley, lentils, and peas. These early farmers also engaged in animal husbandry, domesticating animals like cattle, pigs, and sheep. This shift to farming would have significantly affected their way of life, allowing for more permanent settlements and the development of surplus food supplies.

Material Culture and Tools

Starčevo material culture is distinguished by its ceramics, which were typically undecorated or simply decorated with incised or impressed motifs. Pottery shapes included bowls, dishes, and storage jars. Stone tools continued to be significant, with polished stone axes and flint implements being commonly found at Starčevo sites. These tools were essential for farming, animal husbandry, and crafting other necessary items for daily life.

Social and Cultural Aspects

The Starčevo culture indicates a transition towards more complex social structures. While not much is known about their societal organization, the spread of similar cultural traits over a wide area suggests some form of communication and interaction between disparate groups. This culture likely had a system of communal living or small family-based clans that cooperated in farming and shared resources.

Religious and Ritual Practices

The Starčevo people might have had spiritual or religious beliefs connected to nature, fertility, and agricultural cycles, as indicated by the occasional presence of figurines and burial practices. However, concrete evidence of specific religious practices is limited, making it difficult to fully understand their spiritual life.

Influence and Legacy

The significance of the Starčevo culture lies in its position at the forefront of the Neolithic revolution in Europe. It represents one of the earliest examples of organized agricultural society on the continent, which set the stage for subsequent cultural developments. The innovations in farming, pottery, and settlement layouts that characterized the Starčevo culture contributed to the foundation upon which later Neolithic cultures in Europe would build.

In summary, the Starčevo culture represents a pivotal moment in European prehistory, marking the transition from nomadic hunter-gatherer groups to settled agricultural communities. Its advancements in agriculture, settlement patterns, and material culture had long-lasting impacts, facilitating the spread of the Neolithic lifestyle across Europe.