This is a one-term introduction to the "Old European Civilisation" (Ancient Europe) which did not represent an epoch of barbarism. Contrary to popular belief, civilisation did not start at Sumer with its patriarchal hierarchy and beliefs. Instead, the culture of Old Europe (~7,000 - 2,500 BCE) represents a very different but just as authentic form of civilisation, one with a highly developed egalitarian social structure based on a harmonious, non warfare-orientated agricultural economy. Topics will include Old European social structure, religion, temples, ceramics, metal work, urban infrastructure, and sacred writings. The original fabric of Old Europe no longer exists, however this does not mean that its traditions have vanished. On the contrary, the cultural achievements and traditions of the first great European civilisation have survived in subsequent cultures with multiple transformations (ie. the Minoan, the Basque, the Etruscan, the Celtic, the Baltic etc).