A woman buried in Hungary in the Neolithic era

The Körös Culture, also known as the Körös-Starčevo Culture, represents a significant Neolithic culture that flourished in parts of southeastern Europe, specifically in the Carpathian Basin, around 6,000 to 5,500 BCE. It is primarily situated in present-day Hungary, Romania, and Serbia. This culture played a critical role in the advent of agricultural practices in prehistoric Europe, marking a period of profound transformation from hunting-gathering societies to settled farming communities.

Geographic and Environmental Context

The Körös Culture was predominantly spread across the fertile plains of the Carpathian Basin, characterized by its rich alluvial soils, conducive to early agricultural practices. The region is bounded by the Carpathian Mountains on one side and flanked by the Danube and Tisza rivers, which provided not only water for irrigation but also facilitated transportation and communication. This environment significantly influenced the development and prosperity of the Körös Culture, as it allowed for stable food production and permanent settlement.

Chronology and Origins

The Körös Culture is part of the broader Neolithic Revolution that swept across Europe, marking a transition from nomadic hunter-gatherer lifestyles to settled farming. It is linked to, and sometimes overlaps with, the Starčevo Culture in the southern regions across the Danube River, hence the sometimes combined reference as Körös-Starčevo Culture. This transformation was characterized by the domestication of plants and animals and the development of new technologies and social structures.

Economy and Subsistence

Farming constituted the backbone of the Körös economy, with evidence of early agriculture being a hallmark of its existence. Primary crops included wheat, barley, and legumes, which were tilled using simple stone hoes and other rudimentary farming implements. Animal husbandry also played a crucial role, with domesticated animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs being raised for meat, milk, and secondary products like wool and hides. This blend of agriculture and animal husbandry allowed for a diverse and sustainable food base, leading to population growth and social complexity.

Settlements and Architecture

Körös settlements were typically small, comprising 10 to 20 structures that housed extended family units. These were located near water sources, emphasizing the importance of hydration for both crops and livestock. Houses were often rectangular, constructed from wattle and daub with thatched roofs. Some evidence suggests the presence of palisades and ditches, indicating a need for protection or delineation of community spaces.

Material Culture

The Körös Culture is distinguished by its unique pottery styles, which were typically simple and functional, reflecting the utilitarian needs of daily life. Pottery was often undecorated, though some pieces are noted for incised or painted geometric designs, which may have held symbolic or aesthetic significance. Tools were predominantly made from locally available stone, bone, and wood, highlighting a resourceful adaptation to the environment.

Social Structure and Organization

Social structures within the Körös Culture were likely kin-based, with extended family units forming the core of both social and economic life. The emergence of fixed settlements suggests the development of more complex societal structures, although clear evidence of social stratification is limited. The communal nature of pastoral and agricultural activities implies a cohesive community structure, where cooperation was essential for survival and success.

Spiritual and Ritual Life

While direct evidence of religious or spiritual practices is sparse, it's plausible that the Körös people engaged in animistic or shamanistic practices, common among many prehistoric cultures. Burial sites and artifact deposits may provide indirect insights into their belief systems, which likely revolved around the natural world and its cycles, crucial to their subsistence lifestyle.

Interactions and Influence

The Körös Culture was not isolated; it interacted with neighboring cultures, primarily through trade or exchange networks. These interactions facilitated the spread of ideas, technologies, and possibly even genes, contributing to the cultural dynamism of the region. The diffusion of agricultural practices from the Körös Culture into other parts of Europe marks a significant cultural transmission that shaped the continent's prehistoric development.

In summary, the Körös Culture represents a transformative period in early European prehistory, embodying the shift towards agriculture, permanent settlements, and more complex societal structures. Its legacy is part of the broader Neolithic wave that reshaped human history, laying the foundations for the complex societies that would follow.