One of the earliest sites in Macedonia, is a settlement called Nea Nikomedeia. It is 11 kilometres NE of Veroia, in the NNW of Greece

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In the 1960s, the British school at Athens brought to light a large settlement. Possibly housing 500-700 people. More than 8,000 years ago (1)(2)
It was called Nea Nikomedeia. The site was originally situated on the shores of the Thermaic gulf, or it could have also been lake or lagoon.

Scientists believe the site was abandoned towards the end of early neolithic
Perhaps due to floods, fire or neighbouring tribe attacks. During the late neolithic, it was re-inhabited. (3)

It is one of the most extensive and better investigated settlements of the early neolithic in Greece
Sporadic architectural remains have confirmed the use of this area during the late neolithic as well. The two architectural phases, of the early neolithic, provided most of the information. Concerning both the settlement organization, and farming; as well, as stock-raising community.

In the center of the village was a large 12m or 39′ building
Constructed of post beam, and wattle and daub. It was thought to be a place of worship. Because 12 images, sculptures and different related objects were found inside.

In its early phases, houses were mostly square, circling the center building
They were about 8 metres (26 ft) on each side. They had wooden columns made of thin tree trunks, spaced to around 3 to 6 feet. The walls were built with thin branches and reeds. When the buildings became secured enough. Both on the inside and out. They were plastered over. Using hay mixed with clay.

Using foundation trenching, post holes or columns were secured
Using clay or plaster, it allowed them to use create a stronger foundation, and combine it with boulders in the floors.

Ceilings and roof. Were also supported on wooden columns. That were covered with clay and hay. Placed over thatch made of reeds and branches.

Posts were used in the interior of these buildings. For greater supported, including the hipped roof

Sometimes still consisting of branches. They would have also have been attached to the reeds, clay and hay. Supporting the walls and roof. Making it quite secure. And, if someone might need to go up; do a repair; stop a fire; or, renovate.

Kitchens had various features. Including hearths, and ovens
They also had pots, various types of vessels and clay lined pits.

Pottery was typical of the early neolithic
Especially large vessels, have been found. Some as tall as 60 cm, and with a capacity as high as 85 litres. (4)

For farming they had flint blades; and, stone adzes. Crops and cereals were grown such as barley, emmer wheat; lentils, peas; and bitter vetch.

Livestock consisted of sheep, goats, cattle, and pigs. They had a clay spindle whorls for spinning wool too. And, an assortment of bone tools were found.

They also still did hunting. Remains included deer, boar, tortoises, birds and more. They fished, and wild nuts were gathered

Different sculptures, art and jewlery have been found
Clay figurines with cruciform eyes and beak-shaped noses were found. A plump women with phallic heads and folded arms were found. (5) A frog-shaped pendant from steatite. As well, seals for the adornment of the body.

Today, Nea Nikomedeia is represented by surrounding cities, landscapes of the Mediterranean, and inner Europe. Though archaeological remains attest its ancient neolithic history. Its center point, and Macedonia’s early neolithic history.

Cite: 1) Milisauskas, S. (2011). European Prehistory: A Survey (https://books.google.com/books?id=gc GSn0eVs2oC&pg=PA182). Springer. p. 182. ISBN 9781441966339.
2) R.J. Rodden and K.A. Wardle, Nea Nikomedia: The Excavation of an Early Neolithic Village in Northern Greece 1961–1964, Vol I, The Excavation and the Ceramic Assemblage, British School at Athens Supplementary Volume 25, 1996
3) “Nεολιθικός οικισμός της Ν. Νικομήδειας” (https://archive.today/20130217165557/http://ww w.imathia.gr/page.asp?404;http://www.imathia.gr:80/tourism/archaeological/nikomidia.htm) (in Greek). Imathia Regional Unit official website. Archived from the original (http://www.imathia.gr/ page.asp?404;http://www.imathia.gr:80/tourism/archaeological/nikomidia.htm)
4) Bailey, Douglass (5 September 2000). Balkan Prehistory: Exclusion, Incorporation and Identity (https://books.google.com/books?id=w4tLF6ffLScC&pg=PA86). Taylor & Francis. pg. 86
ISBN 978-0-415-21598-5.
5) Gimbutas, Marija Alseikaitė (1974). The Gods and Goddesses of Old Europe: 7000 to 3500 BC Myths, Legends and Cult Images (https://books.google.com/books?id=SLACTsmH4aYC&pg=P A153). University of California Press. pg. 153. ISBN 978-0-520-01995-9

Bibliography: “Nea Nikomedeia” (http://www.fhw.gr/chronos/01/en/nl/an/nikomedeiafr.html). Foundation of the Hellenic World.

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