Inquiry - Origins of Agriculture

First Populations of the 'Fertile Crescent'

10,000 BCE

The first populations of the 'Fertile Crescent' form. Agriculture and the domestication of animals begin in the region. The 'Fertile Crescent' region of the Middle East was home to some of the world's first civiliations. The 'Fertile Crescent' is found in south-western Asia, which includes parts of Iran, Iraq, Turkey, Syria, Lebanon and Israel. It is considered the birthplace of agriculture, urbanisation, writing, trade, science, history and religion

The Neolithic Period

Period: 10,000 BCE to 2200 BCE

The Neolithic Period was when humans began to settle permanently in areas that had reliable food supplies. Agriculture came to light and farming methods such as irrigation were discovered

Cultivation of Wild Grains and Cereals Develops Throughout the Region

9000 BCE

The Far East - Including the Yellow River and Yangtze River Valleys in China

8000 BCE

Agriculture began in the Far East in 8000BCE. The major food crops of the far east are wheat, maize, rice, soybeans, sweet potatoes and rapeseed. Water-buffalo, swine and chicken were domesticated

Irrigation of Agricultural Crops

5000 BCE

The Irrigation of Agricultural Crops is fully developed as the major rivers of the region are utilised

Mesoamerica (Mexico) Region

4977 BCE

Around 7,000 years ago, agriculture emerged in the Mesoamerica region. The major food crops in Mesoamerica included avocados, cacao, chili peppers, common beans, lima beans, corn, manioc, tomatoes and quinoa. The main domesticated animals were the turkey, dog and muscovy duck

First Civilisations - Mesopotamia

4000 BCE

Mesopotamia was home to the first civilations: the Sumerian, Assyrian, Akkadian and Babylonian civilisations. This was a significant time in history because it led to the sharing of culture and ideas. Civilisaton arose in this region because people had writing, they created permanent villages, animals were domesticated, they planted their own foods and had opportunities to specialise in particular jobs

Priests Given Responsibility

3400 BCE

Priests who occupy the temple complexes are given the responsibility of distributing food and monitoring surplus storage for trade

West Africa Region

3000 BCE

The practice of agriculture spread across West Africa. The early farmers of West Africa grew millet and sorghum. These plants were used for grain and as food for cattles. They then began to grow a special strain of rice called Oryza Glaberrima. In some parts of Western Africa, people have bred the giant African rat and the cane rat as food