The process of Neolithization in the Pleistocene areas near the North Sea coast - evidence for early farming by the Swifterbant Culture around 4000 cal BC

Abstract

Sediments from a pingo scar, a relic from the last glaciation, in the province of Drenthe (the Netherlands) are studied for their content of pollen. On the basis of a number of pollen diagrams, the author reconstructs the Vegetation of the Atlantic and the first part of the Subboreal. Special attention is given to the beginning of the Neolithic, which marks the beginning of agriculture. A model is developed which describes changes in human-influenced pollen types during the Neolithic in pollen diagrams from Pleistocene areas near the North Sea coast. The so-called Neolithic Occupation Period (NOP) is divided into three phases, which represent   three different types of farming economy. By means of high-resolution 14C dating, the three phases are correlated with archaeological cultures. Phase NOP-1, characterized by smallscale arable farming and livestock foddering with leaves and twigs, is dated to 4050 - 3450 cal BC, which is in the period of the Swifterbant Culture. This s h o w s that the first farmers on the Drenthe Plateau belonged to the Swifterbant Culture. Phase NOP-2, characterized by more large-scale, grass-based stock keeping, is connected with the Funnel Beaker Culture. Phase NOP-3, in which agriculture was concentrated in smaller areas, is contemporary with the Single Grave and Bell Beaker Cultures.