The Vinča culture was a prehistoric culture that existed in the Balkans, primarily in present-day Serbia, from around 5700 to 4500 BCE. It is known for its advanced settlements, which featured large houses made of mud and wood, and for its significant agricultural practices, including the cultivation of grains and domestication of animals. Archaeological findings from the Vinča sites reveal a rich material culture, including pottery, figurines, and tools. The culture is also notable for its early use of symbols and possible proto-writing, indicating a complex social structure and communication system.