The book contextualises and makes a synthesis of the major cultural changes that took place in the southern Levant and northeast Africa during the 5th and 4th millennia BC. The basis is the major changes that took place with reference to animal husbandry, agriculture, exchange and interaction. Focus of the book is the introduction of metal to the southern Levant, Egypt and Lower Nubia and the role of pastoral nomadism in a context of cultural change and contact. The implications of these developments are discussed in a context of increased exchange and the development of more complex societies. With reference to the introduction of metal the implications are particularly discussed on a social level concerning the exchange system, social transformation and the role of metal in these societies.