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Pre-pottery neolithic (PPN), is an early phase of the neolithic period, characterized by the use of stone tools. In the eastern Mediterranean, on the southern coast of Cyprus island. In the absence of pottery; agriculture, and a bunch of other things may have begun here

The site was excavated by a team, led by Edgar Peltenburg, beginning around 1992
Findings contribute significantly to our understanding of the neolithic period, and the region. During the time from around 8200 to the late 7th millennium BC (6000BC). Found were deep wells, and large wooden enclosures for livestock. And, wattle and daube homes, that were eventually replaced to stone and mud. The site is considered one of the earliest neolithic settlements on the island. It is also one of the earliest known, large villages.

The site is culturally significant because it provided evidence of early agricultural practices
Archaeologists discovered cultivation of cereals here. Like wheat and barley. It also revealed insights into the domestication of animals, such as goats and sheep.
Cat, pig, fallow deer as well. Remains were all found butchered near the site. Including cattle.

The absence of pottery is a characteristic feature of the pre-pottery neolithic. And, this is evident at Shillourokambos
Instead of pottery, artifacts made of stone, bone, and other materials are found. Making it acceramic, or pre-pottery neolithic.

Archaeological evidence from Shillourokambos suggests a complex social organization
The presence of various structures, including rectangular buildings with elaborate architecture. Indicates that the inhabitants engaged in sedentary and organized community life.

Trade and Interaction
The site provides evidence of trade networks with neighboring regions. Between Cyprus and the surrounding areas, exchange of goods, and cultural influences was significant. It is suggested by the presence of items such as obsidian, which is not native to the island. Probably had a greater association to do with the mainland. And, other neolithic sites. The islands native translucent chert (pictured). May have attracted others to the island too.

Discovery of a 8 month old cat, suggest cat domestication begun here before 7500 BC
The cat was buried 40cm from human burial. It was suggesteded the cat was intentionally located here. Near someone of high status. Because it was located with polished stone axes, flint tools and red orche pigments.

The research at Shillourokambos contributes to the broader understanding of the transition from a hunter-gatherer lifestyle to settled agricultural communities during the Neolithic period in the Eastern Mediterranean. It sheds light on the early stages of human societal development in this region.

Bibliography: Vassos Karageorghis, Cyprus from the Stone Age to the Romans (London: Thames and Hudson Ltd., 1982): 16-27.

Vigne, J-D., “Early taming of the cat in Cyprus (https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.1095335), Science, 2004

Jean Guilaine/Francois Briois, Parekklisha Shillourokambos: an early Neolithic site in Cyprus. In: S. Swiny (ed.), The earliest prehistory of Cyprus. From Colonization to exploitation American archaeological research institute Monograph Series 2 (Boston American School of oriental research 2001), 37–54.

Wade, Nicholas, “Study Traces Cat’s Ancestry to Middle East (https://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/29/health/29iht-29cat.6404420.html?_r=1), The New York Times, June 29, 2007