Introduction to Agricultural Heritage
- Agricultural heritage refers to the historical development of farming systems.
- It includes the evolution of tools, crops, and livestock management.
- Understanding heritage helps trace the origins of modern agriculture.
Stone Age – Beginnings of Agriculture
- Stone Age: ~10,000 BCE to 3,000 BCE.
- Humans transitioned from hunting-gathering to settled agriculture.
- Domestication of plants (wheat, barley) and animals (sheep, goats).
- Use of simple stone tools for cultivation and harvesting.
Bronze Age – Advancements in Tools and Techniques
- Bronze Age: ~3,000 BCE to 1,200 BCE.
- Introduction of bronze tools (ploughs, sickles) improved efficiency.
- Expansion of irrigation and organized field systems.
- Development of permanent settlements and surplus food production.
Iron Age – Agricultural Expansion and Societal Changes
- Iron Age: ~1,200 BCE onwards.
- Iron tools (ploughs, hoes) enabled cultivation of tougher soils.
- Increased crop yields and agricultural productivity.
- Growth of villages and complex societies based on agriculture.
Summary of Agricultural Developments
- Stone Age: Origin of agriculture and domestication.
- Bronze Age: Technological advancements and surplus production.
- Iron Age: Expansion, improved tools, and societal complexity.
- Each stage laid foundations for modern agricultural systems.