Question

What constitutes a complex society and how do they compare with the neolithic communities that come before?

Answer 1

Complex societies are characterized by a large population living in an area, with an agricultural surplus which supports a healthy and growing population.

This eventually gives away to a clear distinction between various classes based on their jobs and wealth they possess. Again, this further gives rise to a culture, tradition and laws of the society to be developed.

However, neolithic communities of the stone ages were more simple in nature with the largest communities not more than a couple of hundred people, mostly from within the same extended family.

Farming was not abundant and many of these communities were scavengers and nomads who would travel in different seasons for better farming land.

Due to this, a complete complex society was able to develop in one place.