When we say "Stone Age", it is probably that our first thought will be that primitive people lived then, but there is evidence to refute this claim. If you've ever thought that way, I'm sure this article will change your opinion.

There is one place in Serbia that has great significance for the history of European civilization. It is Vinča, an archaeological site of outstanding value, located on the right bank of the Danube in the village of Vinča, not far from the center of Belgrade.

It is one of the most important Neolithic sites in Serbia and Europe, where the remains of prehistoric settlements were studied.

Archaeology is an exact science and everything I will write is based on the exact facts I learned from an archaeologist, who works as a curator of the museum in Vinča. After listening to his story, my view of the world changed and left a stunning impression.

First modern age - from nomads to urban communities

The remains of the Vinča civilization date from the period from 5300 to 4500 BC. It was really a long time ago and it is amazing that the inhabitants of Vinča at that time lived an urban lifestyle. This Neolithic Age describes the period when human communities shifted from hunting and gathering to agriculture and food production. When they started producing food, they were no longer nomads and they started to build permanent settlements.

Based on the remains found, it was concluded that they lived like real hedonists. They were focused on their needs and there is no evidence that they lacked anything. They had everything they needed for a happy life. Everything they needed to know, they learned in the period from 6 to 12 years of age. They enjoyed life and were very happy people, self confident and focused on the well-being of the community. Unlike today's man, the Neolithic man was not selfish. There was no competition and no privileges and they solved all the problems together. Even leaders did not have privileges. The goal was to achieve happiness in life and for the leader the pinnacle of happiness was to take responsibility for the whole community.

It was a time of equality. Time without fear and domination. Instead of the selfishness we have today, in the Stone Age we have a high level of responsibility towards others. They lived in harmony with nature, not against nature as it is the case today. There is very little evidence of burial which means that they did not celebrate death. They celebrated life.

Skilful architects

What fascinated me the most were the houses in which they lived. Their houses are a symbol of continuity of life, family and traditional values and they were highly functional.

It is fascinating that they had such comfort in the houses that they even had an oven instead of a fireplace which later began to be used and which indicates that society is going backwards. The houses had a roof, insulation, furniture, several rooms and an oven in each room.

Extremely advanced construction has been identified in such a long time ago.

Stone Age geniuses

Vinča created innovations the world had never seen before. They made amazing stone tools and were able to successfully satisfy all their material needs.

The world's first metalworking took place in Vinča. In pouring a first few drops of metal out of the fire, the people of Vinča started to change the course of civilization.

Creative potters

Every aspect of Vinča life was woven with aesthetics. Even an everyday bowl for food becomes a masterpiece of aesthetics and functionality.

What is particularly striking is that the bowls were properly shaped and they had bowls for everyday use that were different from bowls for special occasions such as bowls with holders.

The bowl in which they kept the seeds is interesting. The cap is in the shape of a head with big eyes which signifies vigilance.

The most important thing was to feed the family and be awake means to keep food and be responsible.

Vinča fashion

The people of Neolithic Vinča made a variety of woven and knitted products including clothes, sleeping pads, covers... I was completely impressed when I saw a figurine of a woman wearing a short skirt and V-neck blouse, as women wear today.

Two-piece outfits are clearly recognizable - skirts and blouses, dresses, socks...

Great mother

Vinča inhabitants in the Stone Age celebrated great mother. The mother was a god for them. There was no gender inequality but the cult of the mother was celebrated as a very important for the community. The mother takes care of the family and she is a symbol of life, and they celebrated life. This figure is a symbol of the mother.

She spreads her arms and her heart is open to her family.

Final thoughts

Judging by archaeological finds, the inhabitants of Vinča in the Stone Age had a much higher level of consciousness than we have today. They were happier because everyone lived from their own work and lifestyle was better. Whatever they needed, they did it. Instead of advancing as a society, we have actually gone backwards, when it comes to awareness and responsibility towards others. Inhabitants of Vinča kept others from themselves and not themselves from others. Living without fear is the ideal of that time, which was destroyed with the appearance of conflicts and wars. When the wars began, a new system of values ​​was imposed. Vinča inhabitants could not accept something that denied themselves, and that is why that civilization is dying out. They were not ready to accept a value system that was a step backwards.

Thank you very much for your time. I hope you found it interesting. Stone Age is a symbol of a progressive society and not primitivism as it is sometimes misunderstood. We could learn a lot from this ancient people.

Article and photos are original and mine.

Best regards to all readers and writers.