The Neolithic Revolution: Transition to Agriculture

14k - 10kya (Neolithic Revolution aka Agricultural Revolution)

Final answer:

The Neolithic Revolution, or Agricultural Revolution, was a transformative era approximately 14,000 to 10,000 years ago, when human societies transitioned to agriculture, enabling permanent settlements, the development of civilization, and progression in cultural behaviors, such as the use of domesticated animals and improved stone tools.

Explanation:

Neolithic Revolution Overview

The Neolithic Revolution, also known as the Agricultural Revolution, marks a significant turning point in human history. About 14,000 to 10,000 years ago, societies began transitioning from a nomadic lifestyle of hunting and gathering to settling and practicing agriculture. This led to the development of permanent settlements and the rise of civilization. During the Neolithic period, from approximately 10,000 BCE to 3,000 BCE, there was a significant shift in human behavior and culture. People began to cultivate wild and domestic crops, use domesticated animals, and advance in tool-making. Sites like Çatalhöyük offer profound insights into the social changes of the era with their art and remains suggesting high levels of cooperation and skill among early humans.

As part of the Neolithic period, the last phase of the Stone Age, people continued to use stone tools. They adopted agricultural practices, moving from food gathering to food production. The adoption of agriculture allowed for a steady food supply and underpinned the foundation of human civilization. It occurred approximately 10,000 years ago, simultaneously across different regions of the world, and involved the development of various technologies, including stone tools for farming.