Abstract/Summary

The Neolithic transition is one of the most significant changes in the history of humankind. Recent research indicates this transition from mobile hunter gathering to sedentary farming and herding was a long and slow process, which happened over several millennia. Relatively little is known about the first steps in this transition and the development of animal husbandry practices in the Eastern Fertile Crescent and its possible spread eastwards from the Zagros region into Iran. In order to obtain a clearer understanding of the first steps towards animal domestication and the possible spread eastwards, this research investigates zooarchaeological and stable isotopic data of five key sites in these regions, Ganj Dareh (ca. 8000 cal BC), Bestansur (ca. 7700-7000 cal BC), Shimshara (ca. 7500-7200 cal BC), Jarmo (ca. 7500- 5000 cal BC) and Hotu Cave (ca. 12000- 3000 cal BC). This research has shown that it remains essential to study each site in its own right to further our understanding of the transition from hunting to herding. At Ganj Dareh goat were closely managed and isotopic evidence indicates that goats were likely kept close to the site by humans. At Bestansur goat were likely managed, and evidence has been found for the possible earliest pig management in the Zagros region. At Jarmo evidence is found for goat management in the Early Neolithic, as well as for the introduction of sheep management in the Ceramic Neolithic. This research has also given new insights in the development of the Neolithic in Iran beyond the Zagros. Evidence from Hotu Cave has shown that caprines may have been domesticated independently in the region of the Caspian Coast littoral.