The Neolithic revolution, also known as the agricultural revolution, marks the time when agriculture and farming were discovered and began to be practiced. It took place in various regions around the world, with Mesopotamia being one of the key areas where farming became a reality. This shift to agriculture allowed people to settle in one place, leading to a population boom as more people could be sustained.
Neolithic Revolution Agriculture Farming Facts
Some key facts about the Neolithic revolution include the simultaneous start of farming in different parts of the world and the establishment of river valley societies such as the Nile River Valley, Yellow River Valley, and the Indus River Valley. These river valley civilizations were formed due to the necessity of water for growing crops. The development of farming in these societies led to the construction of important structures such as pyramids, ziggurats, and palaces, and the establishment of social hierarchies.
Writing also began to take shape during this time, with forms like cuneiform in Mesopotamia and hieroglyphics in Egypt. Writing was initially used to keep track of grains and crops, and some of the earliest writings were focused on topics like the creation of the world. Significant works such as the "Epic of Gilgamesh", the "Book of the Dead", and the "Rig Veda" were produced during this period.
Neolithic Revolution Agriculture Farming Examples
Religion also became an integral part of society during the Neolithic revolution, with the emergence of religions such as Hinduism which worshipped multiple gods (polytheism). Other significant developments included the rise of monotheistic religions like Zoroastrianism and Judaism. The close proximity of cities with similar beliefs led to the formation of the first empires, with most empire kings claiming divine status to validate their rule.
As population grew, pastoralists acted as merchants for trading goods between empires. Around 600 BCE, there were significant advancements in religion and culture, including the spread of Judaism and the spread and influence of Hinduism in India. The caste system in Hinduism and the teachings of Buddhism derived from similar ideas in Hinduism, with both religions emphasizing ways to avoid suffering in life.
River Valley Civilizations Religious Empires
During this time, Confucianism unified China after periods of war, laying the foundation for a belief system based on morality. Daoism, prevalent in Eastern Asia, encouraged people to look to nature for life's guidance. The concept of animism, which suggests that nature is spiritual and inhabited by spirits, also emerged, particularly in Africa.
City-states and empires gradually became aware of one another, leading to periods of war and conflict. Empires such as the Persian Achaemenid Empire used satraps to govern smaller regions, while the Parthian Empire reclaimed lost territories.
Importance of River Valley Civilizations
Despite certain advancements, the vulnerability to attacks was a significant risk, and various dynasties, such as the Qin Dynasty in China, experienced periods of turmoil and change. The Han Dynasty, lasting for 400 years, traded with the Roman Empire and was technologically advanced compared to the Romans. The Mediterranean region experienced its own developments, with Phoenicia introducing the left-to-right style of writing and Greece becoming renowned for its democratic ideals.
Rome, influenced by Greek culture, flourished in architecture and sought to spread its influence and culture far and wide. In South America, civilizations like the Maya and the Moche made substantial strides in the areas of writing, astrology, and farming, creating complex societies with distinct social classes and cultural achievements.
The Neolithic revolution had a profound impact on human society, as it laid the foundations for the development of early civilizations and shaped the course of human history.
