Further notes on Mesolithic-Neolithic contacts in the Iron Gates Region and the Central Balkans

Abstract

Hunter-gatherer/farmer contact in the Iron Gates region is re-examined in view of recent archaeological research, and the social dynamics, population movements and interactions of small scale societies. Full, non-hostile interaction between hunter-gatherers and farmers in the Iron Gates region is proposed for the mid- 7th millennium calBC, followed by hunter-gatherer encapsulation at the end 7th millennium calBC. The lack of archaeological records on the Central Balkan Postglacial and Early Holocene hunter-gatherers is highlighted as a major obstacle to fully understanding cultural transformations, including the Neolithic transition, in this region.

Keywords

• Balkans
• Mesolithic
• Neolithic
• Lepenski Vir
• hunter-gatherer/farmer
• interaction