The Origins of Agriculture

The origins of agriculture trace back around 10,000 years ago during the Neolithic Period, when humans transitioned from hunting and gathering to farming. This shift likely happened as populations grew or environmental changes made wild resources less predictable. Early humans began deliberately planting seeds of wild grasses and domesticating animals for consistent food sources. This development allowed for permanent settlements, leading to complex societies. The domestication of plants and animals was a gradual process influenced by experimentation and adaptation, marking a fundamental turning point in human history that laid the foundation for modern civilization.