8th Millennium BC

The 8th millennium BC describes the period from 8000 BC to 7001 BC, marking a significant era in human history.

Events and Developments

### Agriculture and Settlements

* Around 8000 BC: Agriculture began to spread in northern and southern China, with evidence of heart and rice cultivation, ceramic manufacturing, and stone grinding techniques.
* The development of agriculture also led to the establishment of settlements in various regions. For example:
+ In Africa, the first ceramics with characteristic "corrugated lines" decoration emerged around 9300-9000 years before the present, spreading rapidly across the continent.
+ In North Africa and the Sahara, the domestication of native cattle began around 8201-7816 BC (radiocarbon dating associated with cattle bones).
* The start of agriculture marked a significant shift in human societies, allowing for population growth and the development of more complex societies.

### Urbanization

* Around 7400 BC: The urban culture of Çatalhöyük emerged in Anatolia (modern-day Turkey), with a population of approximately 7,000.
* This period saw the establishment of some of the first cities, such as Çatalhöyük and others in the region.

### Regional Developments

* In Africa:
+ The Capsians, a proto-Mediterranean type, appeared in Tunisia around 8000 BC.
+ Early ceramics with "corrugated lines" decoration were found at sites in the Hoggar (Amekni, Ti-n-Hanakaten, and Fort Lautey) associated with a lithic industry of flint blades and slats.
* In Asia:
+ Settlements emerged on Ærø in Denmark around 8000 BC.

Chronology

The 8th millennium BC covers the period from 8000 BC to 7001 BC, marking a significant era in human history.