From Circular Huts to Walled Villages

Nestled in the fertile plains of Thessaly, the prehistoric settlement of Sesklo offers one of the earliest glimpses into organized human life in Europe. Spanning from roughly 7510 to 4000 BCE, Sesklo’s archaeological layers reveal a story of remarkable transformation—from humble beginnings in circular huts to a bustling community of mudbrick homes, fortifications, and artistic expression. As the settlement evolved through the Proto-Sesklo, Early, and Middle Neolithic periods, it became a center of innovation in agriculture, architecture, and culture, laying the groundwork for complex societies to come.

Proto-Sesklo Period (c. 7510 BC – c. 6190 BC)
The first settlers established temporary dwellings characterized by shallow circular depressions and rudimentary structures. This early community engaged in agriculture and animal husbandry, cultivating wheat and barley while domesticating animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and dogs. Excavations have uncovered tools made from obsidian and chert, as well as terracotta figurines, providing insights into the early cultural practices of the inhabitants.

Early Neolithic Period (c. 6190 BC – c. 5500 BC)
The settlement expanded to the plain to the west (Sesklo B), where the community constructed houses using various materials, including stone foundations, wooden or clay walls, and standing stone slabs. During this period of growth, the inhabitants developed a distinctive pottery style characterized by geometric patterns in red or brown hues, which reflected their artistic expression and served as a testament to their cultural development.

Middle Neolithic Period (c. 5500 BC – c. 4400 BC)
The settlement reached its peak, encompassing approximately 20 hectares with around 500 to 800 houses, indicating a significant population that may have been as large as 5,000 people. Dwellings were predominantly rectangular, built with mudbrick walls and stone foundations, and notably, some houses featured two levels, reflecting the growth of architectural advancements and intentional urban planning within the settlement. Additionally, the site was enclosed by concentric stone walls, suggesting a need for defense, although the exact purpose of these fortifications remains debated. This period is also marked by cultural flourishing, highlighted by the creation of fine-glazed pottery decorated with geometric designs, as well as the production of female figurines, which may have been linked to fertility cults.

Destruction and Reoccupation (c. 4400 – c. 4000 BC)
The settlement experienced destruction by fire at the end of the Middle Neolithic Period, leading to a hiatus in occupation. However, during the Late Neolithic period, the site was reinhabited, albeit only in the Kastraki area, marking a significant shift in the settlement’s structure and organization.