What significant pottery development occurred around 10,000 BCE?

The significant development in pottery around 10,000 BCE was the creation of functional pottery. This period marked a pivotal point in human history when people began to produce pottery that was not only decorative but also practical for everyday use. These early pots provided a means for storage, cooking, and serving food, which was crucial for the advancement of settled agricultural societies.

At this time, communities were transitioning from nomadic lifestyles to more permanent settlements, which increased the need for durable containers to store and transport food and liquids. The ability to create vessels that could withstand heat and were waterproof led to enhanced food preservation methods and allowed for the cooking of a wider array of foods.

The mention of other developments, such as the creation of bricks and the discovery of glazes, pertains to different aspects of craftsmanship that came later in the timeline of human innovation. The potter's wheel, while a significant advancement, did not appear until several millennia later. Therefore, the emergence of functional pottery represents a foundational step in the evolution of ceramic arts that played a crucial role in the social and economic structures of early civilizations.