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The End of the Neolithic in China (7400 BCE) - Transition to a New Era
The year 7400 BCE marks a significant turning point in Chinese prehistory—the end of the Neolithic period in certain regions of what is now modern China. This transition was not a sudden event but rather part of a long process in which early agricultural societies began developing more complex social structures, technologies, and cultural practices that would eventually lead to the Bronze Age.
The Neolithic period in China (roughly 10,000-2000 BCE, varying by region) was characterized by the emergence of agriculture, pottery-making, settled villages, and early forms of social organization. By 7400 BCE, several key cultures had already laid the groundwork for later civilizations:
The "end" of the Neolithic in 7400 BCE does not signify a dramatic collapse but rather a gradual shift as societies advanced. Key developments included:
Precise dating for this period remains challenging, and 7400 BCE may not represent a universal cutoff for all of China. Some regions remained Neolithic for millennia longer, while others progressed more rapidly toward the Chalcolithic (Copper Age) and Bronze Age.
The end of the Neolithic laid the foundation for China's first major civilizations, such as the Yangshao (5000-3000 BCE) and Longshan (3000-1900 BCE) cultures, which would eventually lead to the dynastic eras of Xia, Shang, and Zhou.
Would you like more details on any specific Neolithic culture or archaeological findings from this period?