A woman buried in Germany in the Neolithic era

The Linear Pottery Culture (LBK), which emerged during the early Neolithic period around 5500 BCE and lasted until about 4500 BCE, is one of the most significant archaeological cultures in Central Europe. It marks the transition from a hunter-gatherer lifestyle to a more settled, agrarian society in many parts of Europe, including the region now known as Saxony, Germany.

Geographic and Chronological Context

Saxony, located in eastern Germany, served as a key area for the LBK due to its fertile loess soils, which were ideal for agriculture. This region was part of a broader LBK cultural area that stretched from eastern France to Western Ukraine, covering much of Central Europe.

The Neolithic era in Saxony under the LBK is characterized by the introduction of farming, domestication of animals, and the development of permanent settlements. The LBK culture is named after the distinctive linear patterns on their pottery, which serve as a primary identifier of their archaeological sites.

Settlements

Settlements in this region typically consisted of longhouses made of wood, soil, and thatch. These longhouses were communal, often housing extended families or even small communities. Settlement patterns suggest a preference for proximity to water sources and fertile land, reflecting their agricultural lifestyle. The layout demonstrates careful planning and adaptation to the changing environment.

Subsistence and Economy

The economy of the LBK in Saxony was primarily based on agriculture, with early forms of crop cultivation involving emmer wheat, einkorn wheat, peas, and flax. They also domesticated animals such as cattle, goats, and pigs. The shift to farming allowed for a more stable food supply, population growth, and the establishment of trade networks. Evidence suggests that these early farmers engaged in bartering, exchanging goods like pottery, flint tools, and other commodities with neighboring communities.

Pottery and Artifacts

The LBK is particularly noted for its pottery, which was often intricately decorated with linear incised patterns. These designs, made using a pointed tool, varied from simple lines to complex geometric patterns, and they serve as a primary archaeological marker of the culture. Alongside pottery, other artifacts include polished stone adzes, sickles, and arrowheads, indicating advancements in tool-making and use.

Social Structure and Culture

The social structure of LBK communities in Saxony is inferred from burial sites and settlement layouts. Burials are often found with grave goods, suggesting belief systems or social hierarchies based on wealth or status. Cemeteries were typically separate from residential areas, with some evidence pointing to ceremonial or religious practices surrounding burial rites.

The presence of large houses and communal spaces indicates a degree of social organization, possibly hinting at emerging leadership or community decision-making processes. This organizational capacity would have been crucial for coordinating agricultural activities and managing resources.

Environmental Interaction

The LBK culture in Saxony shows evidence of strong interaction with their environment. Utilizing the fertile loess plains, they were among the first to introduce large-scale deforestation for agriculture, leading to significant ecological changes. Archaeobotanical studies reveal how these communities manipulated wild plant species and managed landscapes to support their agrarian lifestyle.

Decline and Transformation

The decline of the LBK culture around 4500 BCE was gradual and likely driven by several factors, including climatic changes, soil degradation from continuous cultivation, and societal shifts. After this period, the region saw new cultural influences and technological advancements, leading to the eventual emergence of subsequent Neolithic cultures.

In summary, the Linear Pottery Culture in Saxony represents a pivotal era in human history. It demonstrates the transformative impact of agriculture on social structures, settlement patterns, and environmental interactions, laying the foundations for future cultural developments in Europe.