The Neolithic period, also known as the New Stone Age, began around 10,000 BCE and lasted until approximately 3,000 BCE. This era marked a significant transition in human history, as people shifted from a nomadic lifestyle of hunting and gathering to settled farming communities. The domestication of plants and animals allowed for more stable food sources and the development of permanent settlements. During the Neolithic, humans began to create pottery, weave textiles, and build structures. This period also saw the rise of social organization and trade, as communities grew larger and more complex. Notable archaeological sites from this time include Çatalhöyük in Turkey and Stonehenge in England, which provide insight into early human life and culture.