The Neolithic Revolution, also known as the New Stone Age or Archeological Revolution, was a period of great change. Many achievements and advancements were made and it resulted in a new phase of human society. To understand why I believe it was an immense turning point in history, it is important for you to grasp what the daily life was like before the revolution transpired. So let me take you a step back in time. It was around 10,000 BC, a point in life that consisted of hunter-gatherers. They had to move from location to location during harsh, unfavorable climates in search of food and shelter. Being that they were never in one place for long, it did not give them the opportunity to settle and live the farmer lifestyle. Their family sizes …show more content…
“When salvation from the Younger Dryas arrived at 9600 BC a quite different environment was the key: it was on the alluvial valley soils that the new face of human history began. Archaeologists call it the Neolithic- the New Stone Age.” The outcome of a warmer climate increased the amount of tree pollen resulting in abundant quantities of wild plants, different grains, peas, lentils, and animal populations. The erosion and flooding from the immense rainfall led to rich and fertile soil, perfect for crop development. The production of these new crops became the main source of food for the valley. Some would argue that being dependant on only certain food crops that they were harvesting could lead to starvation if it fails. However, with all of the improvement they were making, failing wasn’t an option for them. Before this revolution, hunter-gatherers were only able to stay in a specific area for a season before having to relocate. But, their nomadic lifestyles soon became sedentary and with that, village life and farmers emerged. “With the reliable winter rains, productive harvests and abundant wild game within the valley, the Jericho people have no need to …show more content…
It was important for them to find techniques for planting and harvesting that allowed the crops to ‘wait for the harvester.’ The tools they once used for hunting and gathering were now being repurposed for the harvesting of crops. Not only would the cultivation of plants be a big change for them, but also the domestication of animals was drastic. They went from hunting and gathering animals to herding them and using them for more than just the meat they offered. Dogs were among one of the first animals to be domesticated, along with sheep and goats. “It completed the shift from hunting and gathering to a farming lifestyle.” They would kill the smaller animals, anywhere from newborn to two years of age, as well as, the adult males to consume. For uses other than the meat, they would leave the mother and it would be utilized for their milk. While most would say that farming and the domestication of animals was an intelligent human advancement, Shepard believes that it caused the problem for a decline in the human body. He believes that the domestication of animals were the reason for many human parasites and viruses. And because of the “reduced food choices, infant health is threatened because proper weaning becomes difficult and there is a consequent risk of