Because the Neolithic is defined by the rise of agriculture it occurred at different times for different regions. According to the general scientific consensus the neolithic first began in the middle east around 9500 BC, spreading to parts of Europe and the Indian subcontinent by around 7000 BC. | Because the Neolithic is defined by the rise of agriculture it occurred at different times for different regions. According to the general scientific consensus the neolithic first began in the middle east around 9500 BC, spreading to parts of Europe and the Indian subcontinent by around 7000 BC. |