First Farmers - Neolithic Period (New Stone Age) - 4000 BC to 2000 BC
The Neolithic period is marked by important economic and social changes. By 4000 BC, people once reliant upon the uncultivated natural resources of the land and sea had adopted cereal growing and stock rearing, using imported species of grain and animals. Large scale clearance of natural woodland provided fields for crops and animal fodder.
The first farmers practiced a mixed economy combining crops such as wheat, barley and vegetables with the keeping of cattle, sheep, goats and pigs. Settlements at this time were usually small and consisted of farmsteads housing family groups. The communities were linked through a system of exchange of goods which gave access to new ideas and resources not locally available.
The first farmers also introduced an important new type of container - the pot. Unlike previous containers made from organic materials, such as hide or wood, the baked clay pots could stand the direct heat from a fire during cooking.
Because of a relatively settled existence, Neolithic people could organise their communities to build the Island’s first large monuments. These include the chambered tombs of Cashtal yn Ard and King Orry’s Grave, and the passage grave on Meayll Hill .
A selection of Neolithic objects -
For more information see -
| DisabledGo Information |  | Terms & Conditions | ©2010 Crown Copyright |