Demographic, Biological and Cultural Aspects of the Neolithic Revolution: A View from the Southern Levant

摘要: We present and discuss the life of people in transition from Natufian hunting gathering to Neolithic farming southern Levant, as reflected their bones archaeological remains. Data on populations were derived a series available sites. Demographically, agriculture affected males females differently; while experienced decrease mean age at death period, an increase. The distribution female ages period indicates that may have given birth earlier compared females. women lived longer than males. Using NDT model, 15mathrmP5 shows population growth was significant during Late Natufian, PPNA PPNC it much lower Final PPNB. No major changes dental health between two observed. This differed food procurement strategies, but consumed same types food. There is clear increase prevalence infectious diseases later parts PPN period. magnitude (not pattern) physical stress similar although MSM study suggests certain daily activities more physically demanding preceding Natufian. relate new such making mudbricks, preparing lime-plaster, tree felling grinding cereals. took over greater proportion Violent encounters common