Agricultural Revolution- A New Way of Life

The Fertile Crescent Civilization developed slowly in different parts of the world. People began to settle in areas with abundant natural resources, like rich soil and fresh water (rivers).

I. Specialization of Labor (New Jobs) A. A larger variety of jobs to perform in farming communities than in hunting and gathering groups. B. People began to specialize, which means to perform a specific job. 1. Specialization led to the beginning of trade.

II. A Surplus A. Improved farming methods enabled some farmers to grow a surplus of crops. 1. This meant that they produced more than enough food. 2. This surplus became a form of wealth: an item/service that could be traded for other items/services. B. Ownership became important for the first time.

III. Writing A. First used to prove ownership. People used stamps called seals to mark ownership. 1. Later, writing was used to record business deals, events, laws and literature. 2. Development of writing marked the end of the prehistoric period.

Once people began farming, it became impossible for them to return to being only hunters and gatherers. Why do you think this was so? They became accustomed to farm-life. The population was too large to survive as nomads; they needed a food surplus.