A woman buried in Austria in the Early Neolithic era

The Early Neolithic Linear Pottery Culture, often referred to by its German acronym LBK (Linearbandkeramik), is a significant archaeological culture that marks one of the earliest farming communities in Central Europe, including regions that are part of modern-day Austria. This culture dates back to approximately 5500-4500 BCE and represents a key stage in the Neolithic Revolution—the transition from a hunter-gatherer lifestyle to one of agriculture and settlement.

Geographical Extent

The LBK culture spread across a broad swath of Central Europe. In Austria, evidence of LBK settlements is primarily found along the fertile loess plains of the Danube River. These regions provided the rich soil necessary for early agricultural activities, facilitating the spread and sustainability of sedentary communities.

Agriculture and Economy

The Linear Pottery Culture is characterized by its introduction of agriculture, which led to profound changes in lifestyle, economy, and social structures. People of the LBK culture cultivated domesticated crops such as wheat, barley, peas, and lentils. This agricultural base was supplemented by the domestication of animals including cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats. The combination of crop cultivation and animal husbandry allowed for relatively stable food supplies and surpluses, which supported population growth and the development of permanent settlements.

Settlements and Architecture

Settlements during the LBK period consisted of longhouses, which were rectangular, timber-framed structures with thatched roofs. These buildings could be quite large, accommodating extended family units and sometimes measuring up to 45 meters in length. The longhouses were typically arranged in linear clusters along rivers or other sources of water, taking advantage of the natural resources and arable land nearby.

Pottery and Material Culture

The LBK is most notably recognized for its characteristic pottery, which features linear incised decorations. These vessels were primarily functional, used for storage, cooking, and other everyday purposes. The pottery's design often included simple geometric patterns, such as spirals and meanders, which were inscribed into the clay before firing. This early pottery showcases a degree of craftsmanship and artistic expression, significant for its time.

Social Structure and Organization

The Linear Pottery Culture is thought to have had a relatively egalitarian social structure, although evidence points to the beginning of more complex societal organization. The construction and maintenance of large communal structures suggest cooperative labor and shared resources. There may have been leaders or councils that organized agricultural tasks, construction projects, and trade with neighboring groups.

Technological Developments

In addition to pottery, LBK communities developed a range of tools to support their agricultural lifestyle, including polished stone axes for clearing forests and bone tools for farming and textile work. These technological advances were crucial for transforming the landscapes they inhabited, enabling them to establish and sustain farming communities.

Interaction and Trade

The LBK culture likely engaged in trade with neighboring cultures, exchanging goods such as flint, stone tools, and pottery. These interactions facilitated cultural exchanges and may have contributed to the spread of agricultural practices and technological innovations across Europe.

Decline and Legacy

The decline of the LBK culture around 4500 BCE is not entirely understood, but it coincides with the emergence of other regional cultures that may have absorbed or influenced the LBK peoples. Climatic changes, shifts in trade routes, or social transformations might have played a role. Nonetheless, the legacy of the Linear Pottery Culture is profound, laying the groundwork for subsequent Neolithic societies and influencing the development of European prehistoric culture.

In conclusion, the Linear Pottery Culture represents a significant and transformative period in European prehistory. Its introduction of agriculture, establishment of permanent settlements, and development of intricate pottery all mark pivotal advancements in human society during the Neolithic era. In Austria, as elsewhere within its range, the LBK culture laid the foundations for subsequent cultural evolution and societal complexity.