In no more than 500 words summarise the major stages of development of agriculture and human societies in Southwest Asia. (c. 18.000 BC – 6000 BC)

GCSE: History

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Another major change the Holocene climate saw was an increase in human population. Around this time we also see the extinction of several large mammals. There is some debate as to whether the cause of this was due to the fluctuating climate conditions or from hunter gathers becoming more skilled thus reducing their numbers, leading to their extinction.

Following these changes hunter gathers gradually began domesticating plants and animals. This lead to settlements as storage was needed for crops, soil had to be cultivated and animals herded and tended. Living in settlements lead to new technologies. Cooking vessels, pottery, decorative items and tools were made here. Storage of crops and collecting and making material items brought about another major change in human societies. Social interaction and exchange of goods took place with neighbouring settlements. As wealth developed society began to establish hierarchies and social order. In Southwest Asia there are several key sites which provide evidence of these settlements and agricultural domestication. The Neolithic site at Catalhoyuk which was founded around 7300 BC gives us a wealth of evidence of the domestication of plants and animals. Other evidence found at Catalhoyuk are the way in which they buried their dead under the floors and the striking murals and artwork on the walls. A recent excavation uncovered 70 bodies buried under its floors. It was suggested that these were of the extended family and the murals coincided with the deaths of children. This strengthens the hypothesis that during this time they practiced some sort of religion. The practice of burying the dead is not exclusive to Catalhoyuk but is also seen in other settlements.
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