Early Neolithic Fishing in the Middle Tisza Region, Hungary

Abstract

This article presents taxonomic and biometric information on the taxonomy and sizes of the most important fish species inhabiting the inland waters of the Carpathian Basin: pike, wild carp, and catfish. Information on additional species is also discussed in the case of major assemblages. The Early Neolithic of Hungary developed under Southwest Asian influences that reached the region through the Balkan Peninsula. The mixed economy was based on cereal cultivation and the raising of sheep/goat and cattle as shown by the seed and bone remains, respectively. Although domestic livestock played a principal role during the early advancement of neolithization in this region, aquatic resources were also regularly exploited, although to a far lesser degree.