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Crete TOURnet: Home Crete Guide History of Crete Neolithic Age in Crete

Neolithic Age in Crete

Phallus shaped idol from the Neolithic Cave of Pelektia, Zakros
Phallus shaped idol from the Neolithic Cave of Pelektia, Zakros
Archaeological finds confirm the presence of man on Crete for at least 8,000 years (areas shown on map). The first inhabitants lived in caves and used tools made from stone. This Neolithic or "New Stone Age" Period lasted from about 5000 B.C. to 2600 B.C. Religion in this period was dedicated to the goddess of fertility and evidence of this in the form of numerous clay figurines of stout females has been found not only in Crete but throughout the eastern Mediterranean.
The first Cretans were a primitive people, arriving perhaps from Asia Minor or North Africa. They developed very slowly over the next 3,000 years, practising rudimentary agriculture and learning to domesticate animals. Crude pottery was made over an open fire, and this process very gradually became more sophisticated.

Photos of Neolithic Age in Crete:


Neolithic finds in the Chania museum
Neolithic finds in the Chania museum
Prepalatial-style pottery with characteristic light on dark decorations
Prepalatial-style pottery with characteristic light on dark decorations
Object from Yerospilos Cave, near Agia Marina
Object from Yerospilos Cave, near Agia Marina
Phallus shaped idol from the Neolithic Cave of Pelektia, Zakros
Phallus shaped idol from the Neolithic Cave of Pelektia, Zakros