Neolithic transitions in Iran, the Caucasus and Central Asia

Abstract/Summary

In this article, I examine the evidence for the processes of Neolithisation both within and beyond Iran. We focus initially on the Central Zagros region of western Iran, where many early developments are richly attested at sites such as Sheikh-e Abad, Chogha Golan and Abdul Hosein. We broaden the focus to examine other regions of Iran, before reviewing the often scant evidence for the processes involved in the dissemination of Neolithic practices in the regions neigbouring Iran to the north, northeast and southeast.