1. The Neolithic Revolution
Transition to Agriculture

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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

5. The Spread of Agriculture

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

7. 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

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