Agriculture In Ancient Ages
Agriculture emerged in human history with the domestication of plants and animals, replacing hunting and gathering. Communities that discovered agriculture transitioned from a nomadic to a settled lifestyle. Settled communities gained many advantages over those engaged in hunting and gathering, leading to the decline of hunter-gatherer societies. Agriculture began in many different regions, including Mesopotamia, Central America, China, South America, and West Africa. The first agriculture emerged in Anatolia and the Middle East. The transition to agriculture led to an abundance of food, resulting in a rapid increase in population. Additionally, settling down had an impact on technological advancements, opening the door for non-portable technologies such as iron smelting, molds, and more.
ANCIENT CIVILIZATIONS SUMERIANS
The Sumerians gained control of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. They drained swamplands and carried water to their settlements through irrigation canals. They built dams to store water and dams to prevent floods. They regularly irrigated their fields, resulting in high yields for the time. They used tablets to pass down their agricultural knowledge to future generations. They also made the first plows and seed drills. They grew chickpeas, lentils, peas, dates, grapes, melons, and figs.
ANCIENT EGYPT
In ancient times, agriculture was more prevalent around the Nile River than other regions. The Egyptians used mathematical formulas and geometric calculations to predict the river's flood season. They produced wheat and barley, which were the staple crops. They also produced papyrus and linen.
CHINA
China has a long history of agricultural production. Studies have shown that the Yangtze River in southern China and the Yellow River in northern China were the first centers for rain-fed crops and rice cultivation. Millet, foxtail millet, and panic grass were domesticated first in northern China.
INDUS VALLEY
The domestication of barley, wheat, goats, and cows began in this region. Pastoral agriculture was practiced in India, which included harvesting, planting crops in rows, and storing grains. The Indus Valley Civilization developed an irrigation system around 4500 BC, which resulted in higher agricultural yields. This enabled the society to achieve a more comfortable way of life and spread to wider areas. Additionally, they used comprehensive planning to build new settlements with drainage and sewer systems, which were more advanced than their previous settlements.