The Origins And Spread Of Domestic Animals In Southwest Asia And Europe

Are you curious about the origins and spread of domestic animals in Southwest Asia and Europe? Look no further, as we delve into the fascinating history of how our furry friends came to be our beloved companions.

Animals have been an integral part of human civilization for thousands of years. The domestication of wild animals marked a turning point in human history, leading to the establishment of agricultural societies and the growth of civilizations. In this article, we will explore the origins, spread, and significance of domestic animals in Southwest Asia and Europe.

The Origins of Domestication

The process of domestication is believed to have first begun in the Fertile Crescent, an area stretching from modern-day Iraq to Israel. This region offered a unique environment with a variety of wild animal species, making it an ideal location for early human settlements.

The Origins and Spread of Domestic Animals in Southwest Asia and Europe (UCL Institute of Archaeology Publications)

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Archaeological evidence suggests that dogs were among the first animals to be domesticated, around 15,000 years ago. Wolves were tamed and gradually adapted to human needs, serving as hunting companions and eventual guardians of early human settlements.

Cattle, sheep, and goats were also domesticated in Southwest Asia, mainly for their meat, milk, and wool. These animals provided a stable food source for early farmers and allowed for a more settled lifestyle. The domestication of pigs followed soon after, providing an additional source of meat.

Impacts on Human Civilization

The domestication of animals brought about significant changes in human civilization. As societies shifted from a nomadic lifestyle to settled agriculture, they could produce a surplus of food, leading to population growth and the development of complex social structures.

Domesticated animals not only provided food but also played a crucial role in transportation, trade, and warfare. Horses, which were domesticated around 6,000 years ago, revolutionized warfare, allowing for faster and more efficient mobility on the battlefield.

Furthermore, the use of animals for agricultural purposes, such as plowing fields or pulling carts, greatly increased productivity and efficiency. This led to the establishment of large-scale farming systems, shaping the foundations of modern agriculture.

Spread across Europe

The domestication of animals in Southwest Asia eventually spread to Europe, shaping the agricultural practices of the region. The expansion of farming communities led to the migration of people and their animals, resulting in the diffusion of domestic species across the continent.

In Europe, the spread of domestic animals varied depending on the region. Cattle and sheep were among the most widespread, providing essential resources such as meat, milk, and wool. Pigs, chickens, and horses were also present, but their distribution was more limited.

The of new domesticated animals had profound impacts on European societies. It allowed for the development of specialized farming techniques, such as dairy farming and wool production, leading to economic growth and the establishment of trade networks.

The Role of UCL

The origins and spread of domestic animals in Southwest Asia and Europe have been extensively studied by scholars at University College London (UCL). UCL's Department of Archaeology has been at the forefront of research, uncovering valuable insights into our shared history with domestic animals.

Through the use of archaeology, genetics, and anthropology, UCL researchers have been able to reconstruct the genetic makeup of domestic animals and trace their migratory paths across continents. This interdisciplinary approach has shed light on the complex interactions between humans and animals throughout history.

The origins and spread of domestic animals in Southwest Asia and Europe are deeply intertwined with the development of human civilization. From the domestication of dogs as loyal companions to the use of horses in warfare, animals have played a vital role in shaping our societies.

Thanks to the groundbreaking research conducted at UCL, we continue to gain a better understanding of our shared past with domestic animals. By unraveling their origins and tracking their movements, we can appreciate the profound impact these animals have had on our lives.

References:

• Smith, B. D. (1998). The Emergence of Agriculture. Scientific American Library.
• Dobney, K., & Larson, G. (2006). Genetics and animal domestication: new windows on an elusive process. Journal of Zoology, 269(2),261-271.
• Outram, A. K., Stear, N. A., Bendrey, R., Olsen, S., Kasparov, A., Zaibert, V., ... & Evershed, R. P. (2009). The earliest horse harnessing and milking. Science, 323(5919),1332-1335.
• Davis, S. J. (1987). The Archaeology of Animals. Yale University Press.
• Peters, J., & von den Driesch, A. (1997). The investigation of archaeozoological sites: a checklist for archaeobiologists. Paleohistoria, 39/40, 79-113.

The Origins and Spread of Domestic Animals in Southwest Asia and Europe (UCL Institute of Archaeology Publications)

by Stéphane Angles(1st Edition, Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	26056 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	354 pages
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This volume tackles the fundamental and broad-scale questions concerning the spread of early animal herding from its origins in the Near East into Europe beginning in the mid-10th millennium BC. Original work by more than 30 leading international researchers synthesizes of our current knowledge about the origins and spread of animal domestication. In this comprehensive book, the zooarchaeological record and discussions of the evolution and development of Neolithic stock-keeping take center stage in the debate over the profound effects of the Neolithic revolution on both our biological and cultural evolution.