1. The Neolithic

2. Origins of Agriculture
Neolithic-”New Stone Age” (10K-2K BCE)
End of Ice Age meant new sources of food were required
Had a dramatic impact on the natural environment

3. Emerged in different parts of the world at different times (first M. E
Emerged in different parts of the world at different times (first M.E., later Africa, Americas)
Crops like wheat, rice, sorghum, etc. spread throughout Eurasia
Crops like maize spread from Mesoamerica to N+S America

5. Members of one of the world’s last uncontacted tribes

6. The “evolution” of maize

7. Early Agricultural Society
Year Human Population
3000BCE 14 million
2000BCE 27 million
1000BCE 50 million
500BCE million

8. Agriculture led to permanent settlements
Specialized labor developed (pottery, metallurgy, textiles)
Control of property and land by a few led to the growth of a social elite