The Neolithic Revolution and Early Agricultural Societies
The transition from the paleolithic to neolithic ages is marked by the discovery of agriculture and cultivation. Some human communities sedentism and agriculture while others remained as hunter-foragers and pastorals. This allowed for permanent societies and the development of complex social structures that still have influence on how we live today.
1.2 I. The Neolithic Revolution led to the development of more complex economic and social systems.
The transition led more division of labor and tasks that hunters did not have time for before.
Formation of Agriculture
Evidence in Early Mesopotamia |
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Vocabulary
Neolithic Revolution- The shift from a hunter-gatherer society to a largely agricultural one. This led to the creation of permanent settlements.
Pastoralism- The branch of agriculture concerned with the raising and harvesting of livestock.
Domestication- The adoption of new plants and animals to raise and harvest for human use
Nomadic Pastoralism- Pastoralism in which herders move according to seasonal patterns and fresh grazing areas
Surplus- In agriculture, when food production exceeds consumption. Tendency to lead to a large growth in population.
1.2 II. Agriculture and pastoralism began to transform human societies.
Pastoralism and agriculture led to more reliable and abundant food supplies
Labor of Early Agriculture
Development of Religion Development of Various Technologies Need For Social Order |
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Vocabulary
Cereal Grains: (Rice, wheat, barley, and corn) produced rich harvests and were rich in important nutrients. Helped grow the population and provide a stable source of food
Pottery: The demand for cooking pots and storage grew as agriculture grew. Craftsmen learned to use clay and other materials to create storage. The exterior of pot was decorated artistically and illustrated a particular group's identity and culture.
Plows: The early development of the plow made labor easier and more efficient for agriculture. The plow would break up the thick soil and turn the soil to prepare for the sowing of the seeds.
Metallurgy: Was very important in constructing tools, textiles, and weapons. Early metallurgy involved using copper which can be hammered into many shapes. The discovery of bronze changed agriculture practices and created superior weapons.
Wheels: Invented in the late neolithic period, wheels were used to facilitate the movement of goods. The Hittites utilized the wheel into a chariot which they used for military.
Primary Documents
In this image, artifacts of Neolithic societies are shown, such as wooden spoons, pots, and bowls. The lack of sharp spears or hunting equipment demonstrates societies transitioning away from hunting and relying more on agriculture. The pots and bowls were needed to store important necessities like food, alcohol, and other goods. The pottery can be also used for religious and ceremonial purpose which shows the emergence of social order. As small societies grew more complex, the introduction of social stratification began.
This cave painting depicts early practices of pastoralism and the transition from hunting. People began to have more leisure time when they did not have to follow their game. This led to cave paintings, technological developments, and many other advancements. The painting above is a example of how people domesticated animals and building societies around their animals. Without the domestication of animals, some people may still have remained as hunter-foragers or moved into agriculture.
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