Farming in Ancient Societies — Reading Comprehension

Farming was one of the most important developments in human history. The shift from hunting and gathering to farming, often called the Neolithic Revolution, began around 10,000 BCE in different parts of the world. This change allowed people to settle in one place and produce a food surplus, meaning they grew more food than they immediately needed. As a result, ancient societies could support larger populations and develop more complex ways of life.

Early farming began independently in several regions, including the Fertile Crescent (modern Iraq and Syria), ancient China, and Mesoamerica. In Mesopotamia, by around 7000 BCE, people domesticated wheat and barley. Archaeological evidence such as clay tablets from Sumer shows that early farmers used simple tools like wooden plows and developed irrigation systems to control water from rivers like the Tigris and Euphrates. In Egypt, farmers depended on the annual flooding of the Nile River, using canals and dikes to spread water to their fields. These innovations helped increase crop yields and made it possible to support the world's first cities and city-states.

The rise of farming had far-reaching effects on ancient societies. With a steady food surplus, not everyone had to farm. Some people became artisans, making pottery or tools, while others became priests, scribes, or rulers. This led to the development of a social hierarchy, where people had different roles and levels of power. Written records from ancient Sumer, such as the cuneiform tablets, show that farmers paid taxes to support temples and leaders. In ancient China, the Shang dynasty (c. 1600–1046 BCE) organized large-scale farming and used bronze tools, as seen in archaeological finds.

Over time, farming techniques improved. Farmers learned to rotate crops, domesticate animals for labor and food, and invent new tools. These changes allowed ancient civilizations to expand, trade, and build monuments like the Egyptian pyramids, which required huge amounts of food to support workers. However, farming also had challenges, such as droughts, floods, and disputes over land and water. Despite these obstacles, agriculture remained the foundation of most ancient economies and continues to shape societies today.

The development of farming marked a turning point in history. It enabled the growth of civilizations, new forms of government, and advances in technology and culture. Understanding farming’s role helps explain why ancient societies could build cities, develop writing, and create lasting cultural achievements.

Interesting Fact: Ancient Sumerian farmers invented the earliest known plow around 3500 BCE, which made planting seeds much easier and faster.

When did the Neolithic Revolution begin?

Which river did Egyptian farmers depend on?

What did Sumerian farmers invent around 3500 BCE?

How did food surplus affect ancient societies?

Why was irrigation important?

What role did artisans have?

Farming led to the rise of city-states. True or false?

What does 'food surplus' mean?