1.2 The Neolithic Era &
the Development of Agriculture
The Neolithic Revolution is the change from being a hunter
development of an agriculture based society. This period, which occurred
between 12,000 and 8,000 years ago, brought along many changes to human society
and culture, including the creation of cities and permanent dwellings.
This period brought about labor specialization, personal property, and a more complex social structure. The term "Neolithic Revolution" refers both to the period of time when it occurred as well as the lasting changes it caused.
This period brought about labor specialization, personal property, and a more complex social structure. The term "Neolithic Revolution" refers both to the period of time when it occurred as well as the lasting changes it caused.
Tens of thousands of years ago, there were no crops: only
the primitive plants we recognize as being edible. After
hundreds or thousands of generations of careful and accidental experimenting by
human farmers would lead to the idea of agriculture as we know it today.
Agriculture is the occupation of cultivating (planting) the land, producing
crops, and raising livestock. This brought changes in the diet of the hunter-gatherer. The so-called Neolithic crops include emmer,
einkorn, barley, lentil, pea, chickpea, bitter vetch, and flax. These are all
new species created by humans experimenting with the wild crops which grew
naturally in the fertile soil.
The planting of crops instead of gathering wild grains
brought about many new farming techniques including irrigation. Irrigating a
crop means to bring a supply of water to a dry area, especially in order to
help crops to grow. This allowed for a food surplus, or more food than you need
to eat in one day. The use of fields for
crop granaries (for the storage of food) simplifies the search for food for
humans, allowing for non-farming occupations to develop in society. Trade
Systems emerged. Farmers could be paid for supplying others with food. With the focus off hunting and gathering,
early man could choose to do other types of jobs other than farming. The
ability to choose an occupation, or job that fits your talents is called
specialization of labor. Now you can be a carpenter instead of a farmer!
Now that people could choose different jobs to do, a social hierarchy or division of labor rises. One class depends on the other for survival. The king was on the top usually, with priest, craft people, merchant, and farmers on the lower levels. Also, you can use your talents to help the community.
In addition to growing crops, these early humans also started domesticating animals to work for them and to serve as sources of food. Domestication means to raise animals, selectively breeding them to increase their suitability for human needs. Early man now will begin to settle in permanent settlements and build dwelling together. This allows people a more stable lifestyle and brought security and protection for man. Villages became cities and a civilization begins. The Neolithic revolution first emerged in the Fertile Crescent, around present Iraq. Mankind was most active and prosperous around the near and Middle East at this time.
Now that people could choose different jobs to do, a social hierarchy or division of labor rises. One class depends on the other for survival. The king was on the top usually, with priest, craft people, merchant, and farmers on the lower levels. Also, you can use your talents to help the community.
In addition to growing crops, these early humans also started domesticating animals to work for them and to serve as sources of food. Domestication means to raise animals, selectively breeding them to increase their suitability for human needs. Early man now will begin to settle in permanent settlements and build dwelling together. This allows people a more stable lifestyle and brought security and protection for man. Villages became cities and a civilization begins. The Neolithic revolution first emerged in the Fertile Crescent, around present Iraq. Mankind was most active and prosperous around the near and Middle East at this time.