Agriculture and Food Production in the Ancient Mediterranean

These flashcards cover essential concepts relating to agriculture and food production in the ancient Mediterranean, focusing on practices, tools, and their significance to society.

What is a plough used for in agriculture?

It is a farming implement pulled by draught animals to create furrows for sowing and destroying weeds.

What does the term 'Nilometer' refer to?

A Nilometer is a device used to measure the height of the Nile's annual flood.

What were the three agricultural seasons in ancient Egypt?

The three seasons were Akhet (flooding), Peret (growing), and Shemu (harvest).

What is 'garum'?

Garum was a fermented fish sauce widely consumed in the Roman world.

Why was the Nile River essential for Egyptian agriculture?

All agriculture production relied on the Nile for flooding to water the fields and help with sowing.

What is the significance of food surplus in ancient societies?

Food surplus allowed for the support of non-farming specialists and the formation of early governments.

What does 'Panem et Circenses' mean?

It means 'Bread and Circuses,' indicating how Roman authorities maintained order by feeding and entertaining the population.

Explain the term 'domestication' in the context of agriculture.

Domestication is the process of selectively breeding plants and animals for human use, making food supplies more predictable.

What was the Tomb of Meketre known for?

It contained detailed funerary models of granaries, bakeries, and breweries, highlighting the bureaucratic management of food.

Describe the treading vat.

It is a basin where grapes were crushed by foot to release juice, and it was the first step in wine production.