The Neolithic Revolution Transition to Agriculture

A New Way of Life Humans brought plants under cultivation. Humans brought animals under domestication. Alters natural world drastically. Steers human society in new direction.

Neolithic Polished Axe New Stone Age Polished stone tools as opposed to simply chipped tools Polished tools coincide with the earliest stages of agricultural societies c. 12,000-6,000 yrs. BP (10,000-4,000BCE) Neolithic Polished Axe Acheulean Handaxe

Independent Invention of Agriculture SW Asia (c. 9,000BCE) wheat, barley, sheep, goats, pigs, cattle The Sudan (c.9,000-7,000BCE) sorghum, cattle, sheep, goats West Africa (c.8,000-6,000BCE) yams, okra, black-eyed peas Yangzi River Valley (c.6,500BCE) rice, pigs, chickens, water buffalo (later date) Yellow River Valley (5,500BCE) millet, soybeans, pigs, chickens, water buffalo (later date) SE Asia (c.3,000BCE) taro, yams, coconut, breadfruit, bananas, citrus fruit Mesoamerica (c.4,000BCE) maize, later- beans, squash, peppers, tomatoes Central Andes (c.3,000BCE) potatoes, later- maize and beans Amazon River Valley (scant evidence) manioc, sweet potatoes, peanuts taro breadfruit millet barley sorghum manioc peppers

The Spread of Agriculture

Changes in Human Society World Population Growth Before Agriculture c.10,000BCE pop. 4 million 3,000BCE pop. 14 million 2,000BCE pop. 27 million 1,000BCE pop. 50 million 500BCE pop. 100 million

Changes in Human Society Specialization of Labor Allowed by a surplus of food Frees up individuals to engage in activities unrelated to production of food Developed rapidly after advent of agriculture Earliest craft industries: pottery, metallurgy, textiles Hassuna Culture, Neolithic Iraq early iron forge

Changes in Human Society Patriarchy Hierarchical class structure develops Wealth inequality Slavery Organized warfare