The Neolithic Revolution, as this transition is known, was not a simple process. It involved the domestication of plants and animals, the development of new technologies, and the creation of social structures to manage these changes. A key factor in this process was the cultivation and management of crops, which required a deep understanding of the natural environment and the needs of the plants being grown.
Millet and Its Importance
Millet, a cereal grain familiar today as birdseed, played a crucial role in this process. Originating in North China around 10,000 years ago, millet was carried across Eurasia by ancient shepherds and herders. This hardy grain, with its short growing season and low water requirements, was ideal for mobile forms of cultivation. It could be harvested just 45 days after planting, allowing nomadic tribes to combine growing crops of millet with hunting and foraging as they traveled across the continent.