The Neolithic Revolution and the Development of Civilization

I believe that humans have always sought control over our lives, environments, and the people around us. The Neolithic revolution enabled people to increase their control over these factors.

Though it was likely unconscious at first, humans began to select the plants and animals that they interacted with. Once people realized that the plants and animals were changing because of that interaction, it was only a short leap to begin deliberate attempts at change. Dogs were once of the first domesticated animals, and evidence for this can be found in all parts of the world. In southwest Asia and North America, evidence for domestication is found as far back as 11,000 years ago.

All dogs are descended from various types of wolves. It is likely that humans accidentally became involved with the predators, but once they realized their usefulness, humans began to actively search out and artificially select for wolves that were different. They would likely have chosen those who were less aggressive, differently colored, and larger or smaller. Thus began the evolution of the dog into it many varied forms of today (Feder 438-440).

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In southwest Asia - the Middle East, cereal crops went through a similar process 9,000 ya by the Natufians. Wheat is a plant common to this area, and two domesticated varieties emmer and einkorn have been dated to more than 10,000 years ago (456). The wild wheat had two problems that had to be dealt with. First, that rachis of a wheat plant (where the seeds attach to the plant) becomes brittle and breaks very easily when the seeds become ripe. In the wild, this allows the seeds to be easily carried off by winds or animals, allowing for the spread of the plant. Also, the kernel is encased by a glume that is very tough, and requires much grinding to remove and make edible. As humans began to work with these plants, they would naturally utilize the plants with tougher rachis because these would be the ones with seeds remaining when ripe. They would also have chosen the plants with softer glumes, as it made for easier processing.

In both the animal and plant kingdoms, there is variation, the result of natural mutation. Humans were able to utilize this, and gradually artificially select those plants and animals that suited their needs (459).

There was a whole set of tools to fill out the farmers arsenal. Sickles, with tiny microblades embedded in them were used to cut the grasses and grains that people used. Grinding stones, mortars and pestles were relied upon more and more, as well as storage places to house the goods in (454).

It is still a matter of debate as to whether the development of agriculture was result of a sedentary lifestyle, or vice versa. Either way, the two go hand in hand. In order to make farming successful, people had to remain in once place for extended periods of time, and had to have a large labor force to work in it. This resulted in permanent housing, made of mud or brick (Tveskov personal communication).

Higher population densities occurred for a number of reasons. The farming itself allows for a surplus of food, enabling a few to feed many. People begin to congregate in these areas, and set up house to begin farming.

Women who are sedentary are more capable of pregnancy, carrying the child to term, and becoming impregnated again quickly. Because they are not traveling constantly they have a lower risk of miscarriage. There are more people present to help her in the birthing process, decreasing the infant mortality rate, and she is more likely to rest before and after childbirth. Lactating women are not as fertile. When a woman has access to a milk-bearing animal, she can discontinue breast-feeding at an earlier age, making her more capable of getting pregnant quickly (Tveskov).

Unfortunately, a sedentary lifestyle, reliant upon one or two main food sources, is not nearly as health as that of the hunter-gatherer. People need variety in their diet in order to have the complete round of nutrients, vitamins and minerals. A single, or limited number of food crops are not varied enough to provide proper nutrition. Another disadvantage lies in the fact that a bad season, terrible storms or drought may cause a crop to fail and people to starve (Tveskov). They were putting all their eggs in one basket.

When large number of people come together, there is bound to be discord and imbalance. There are bound to be the haves and the have-nots. People begin to seize control of those who have less than them. Social stratification begins. Rather than according rank to those who have achieved it, people began to see the development of classes, which one was born into (Tveskov). People of higher rank had more power, wealth, and rights. They tended to control those below them. Though it has likely always been a part of human societies, inequality began to run rampant. Greater political integration gradually led to government a key component to civilization.

There are many requirements for a group of people to be called a civilization. It must have a high population density, social stratification, food surplus, craft specialization, monumental architecture, record keeping, and a formal government (Feder 491-198, Tveskov).

Two of the earliest cities known are Jericho, in Israel, and Catalhoyuk, in modern day Turkey. Though neither is considered to be a state society, they represent important developmental points in human history. Catalhoyuk was located at the site of a very rich obsidian deposit. This rich resource allowed for trade, wealth and power over its neighbors. The city of Jericho dates back to more than 9,000 ya, and was surrounded by perhaps the earliest large scale construction work ever known a great wall ranging from 11 to 22 feet in height, and 6 feet in width. Both cities show signs of social stratification, high population densities, food surplus, some craftwork and great construction. They were well on their way to civilization (Feder 505-508).

The agricultural revolution laid the foundation for civilization and societies. By bringing great numbers of people together, it allowed for and required diversity of purpose. It was a self-perpetuating cycle. Agriculture could feed more people, population would increase, more workers would be needed to work on the farm, agriculture would increase, and the population would continue to grow. The more people there are, the more tools and specialized items are needed, and craft specialization is born. It takes many people working hard together to produce a surplus, but it only takes one person to control it. The wealthy began to rise to the surface and take power, and formal government begins along with social stratification. Record keeping is needed to maintain order, and monuments give people something to believe in and work towards peacefully. The development of civilization was fast and hard, with no time to look back, or examine whether the path was good or bad.

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