Review of Early Agricultural Societies and Civilizations

These flashcards cover key concepts related to early agricultural societies and civilizations, their development, contributions, and the evolution of economic, political, and social structures.

What is the primary difference between wild and domesticated plants?

Wild plants have natural smaller seeds and require tending, while domesticated plants have larger seeds due to controlled reproduction for distinct characteristics.

How did the Natufians contribute to the onset of plant domestication?

Natufians transitioned from a mobile to a sedentary lifestyle, which allowed for permanent settlements and experimentation with wild plants.

What architectural changes occurred in the Near East during the Early Neolithic?

Public architecture was limited in the Early Neolithic, but by the Middle Neolithic, communal constructions emerged, reflecting social cooperation and increased complexity.

How did farming affect health in early agricultural communities?

Early farmers experienced declining health due to dietary stress, indicated by conditions like enamel hypoplasia and patterns in infant burials.

What evidence shows the expansion of farming into Europe?

Migration of farmers from Anatolia led to distinct genetic variations from Mesolithic populations, implying interactions from conflict to trade.

What insights does Ötzi provide about prehistoric life?

Ötzi, the Iceman, reveals a complex lifestyle concerning health, diet, technology, and social structures of the Copper Age.

How did metallurgy influence social structures in early Europe?

The emergence of metallurgy in the Copper Age contributed to social stratification by being used for tools, ornaments, and symbols of wealth.

What changed in the economic management of the Near East from the Neolithic to Early Dynastic periods?

Neolithic economies were household-based while Early Dynastic periods saw the development of complex systems including trade management with cuneiform and urban management.

What role did irrigation play in the agricultural development of Mesopotamia?

Irrigation enabled farming in Sumer and facilitated the shift from wild to domesticated crops, leading to urban growth.

What were the main factors that led to the emergence of elites in Mesopotamia?

Elites emerged through wealth, control of resources, and roles in governance, temple management, and military leadership.

How did writing evolve in ancient Mesopotamia?

Writing developed from tokens for trade management into cuneiform, supporting complex economic transactions.

What characterized the Harappan cities in contrast to Mesopotamian cities?

Harappan cities showed less elite display and wealth disparities were reflected in housing rather than prominent leadership.

What evidence suggests political collapse in the Indus civilization?

Declines are linked to environmental changes and urban pollution, with a gradual abandonment pattern rather than a clear political collapse.

What are the key periods and their associated sites in early agricultural history?

Natufian period (14,500–11,500 BCE, Abu Hureyra); Early Neolithic (9,600–7,000 BCE, Göbekli Tepe); Middle Neolithic (7,000–5,500 BCE, Abu Hureyra); European Neolithic (6,500–3,000 BCE, Varna, Ötzi); Late Neolithic (5,500–4,000 BCE, Choga Mami, Sabi Abyad).