Mesolithic and Neolithic Britain Flashcards
The Mesolithic Period spanned what time
around 10,000 to 5,500 years ago
What Epoch coincided with the Mesolithic age and continues to the present
Holocene
What did Britain experience by 8,000 BC
temperatures were higher than today, and birch woodlands spread rapidly
he plains of Doggerland were thought to have finally been submerged when
around 6500 to 6000 BC
although Doggerland was thought to have been submerged around 6,000BC, what does recent evidence suggest
it may have lasted until between 5800 and 5400 BC, and possibly as late as 3800 BC
The warmer climate changed the arctic environment to what
one of pine, birch and alder forest
the Neolithic Period covered what period
from around 4300 – 2000 BC
Analysis of the mitochondrial DNA of modern European populations shows how many descended in the female line from European hunter-gatherers and how many from the Neolithic Farmers of the Middle East
80% hunter Gatherers and 20% Neolithic Farmers from the middle East
What was the temperature during Neolithic times compared to now
winters typically 3 degrees colder but summers some 2.5 degrees warmer
What did the Neolithic Revolution Introduce
A more settled way of life and led to societies becoming divided into differing groups of farmers, artisans and leaders
What did Neolithic people do with there forests
Forest clearances were undertaken to provide room for cereal cultivation and animal herds
What did Neolithic people do with Animals
Native cattle and pigs were reared whilst sheep and goats were later introduced from the continent,
How does Britain compare to the continent in terms of settlement
only a few actual settlement sites are known in Britain, unlike the continent. Cave occupation was common at this time.
What were the earliest earthwork sites in Britain during the early Neolithic Period 4,400 - 3,300 BC
long barrows and Causewayed enclosures
What were Long Barrows used for
Communal burial
