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The Miracle of Agriculture: How did ancient people surprisingly domesticate plants and animals?
Between 10,000 BC and 2,000 BC, history entered the Neolithic Age, a unique and transformative archaeological period. During this period, human society underwent an earth-shaking change, from a lifestyle dominated by hunting and gathering to a settled agricultural life, resulting in astonishing changes to the ecosystem.
One of mankind's major breakthroughs during this period was the rise of agriculture, which not only allowed us to cultivate and domesticate plants and animals, but also laid the foundation for the development of future civilization.
Origins of the Neolithic Age
According to research by archaeologists, the Neolithic Age began around 10,200 BC. This revolutionary change originated in the area known as the "Fertile Crescent." With the rise of Natufian culture, people began to rely on wild grains for their lives and established relatively stable settlements. This process is accompanied by climate change, such as the emergence of the Younger Dryas event, prompting humans to seek new ways of survival.
Early crops included wheat, peas, lentils, forbs and flax, which gradually evolved into a more diverse agricultural system including rice, corn and potatoes.
The Neolithic Age in various regions
Middle East
In the Middle East, especially the Levant, the earliest culture 10,000 years ago was the Pre-Pottery Neolithic A (PPNA). Take the Göbekli Tepe temple, about 9,500 years ago, for example, which shows the religious and social life of early humans.
South Asia and East Asia
In South Asia, agricultural settlement cuisine represented by the Mehrgarh site appeared in Pakistan around 7,000 BC. The residents here mainly domesticated wheat and barley. In East Asia, early agricultural cultures appear in several archaeological cultures between 9,500 BC and 5,000 BC.
Indigenous agriculture in Africa
In Africa, agricultural development starting from 6,000 BC was more integrated with local culture, resulting in agricultural forms different from those in the Middle East and Europe. This led to unique sheep herding and small-scale farming methods that shine with their own characteristics in many regions, including the Sahara Desert and East Africa.
The impact and consequences of agriculture
The emergence of agriculture led to fundamental changes in the structure of human society, from the scattered life of nomadic hunting to relatively stable and concentrated villages, allowing human civilization to flourish. As the population increased, agricultural intensification accelerated further, eventually leading to the formation of cities.
However, behind all this lies the conflict between old and emerging cultures, as well as the consequent ecological challenges.
The relationship between technology and human beings
As agriculture took off, so did the development of technology. From the making of pottery to the techniques of metal smelting, these are tools humans evolved to farm and store food more efficiently. Generation after generation, humans have experienced continuous improvement and experimentation in their use of the land, which has left a distinct mark on ancient cultures.
The origin and transformation of civilization
As archaeologists say, the large-scale spread of agriculture made it possible for the emergence of metal tools, the development of construction technology, and the division of labor in society, which ultimately led to the rise of towns and countries. This series of changes not only changed human lifestyles, but also shaped today's world.
However, while we are enjoying these technological innovations, have we ever thought about whether the rise of agriculture has also sown the seeds of crisis for our future?
