The Agricultural Revolution

The Agricultural Revolution is also called the Neolithic Revolution. It happened about 12,000 years ago. Before this, people moved around and hunted animals for food. Then they learned how to grow plants and raise animals. This changed the way humans lived forever.

Growing Food

People started to plant seeds from wild plants like wheat and barley. They tamed animals like sheep, goats, and cows. With farms, they did not have to move around as much. They could stay in one place. This was a huge change for humans.

Ancient carved stones at one of the world's oldest farming sites.
Ancient carved stones at one of the world's oldest farming sites. (Beytullah eles / Wikimedia Commons)

The First Villages

Since people stayed in one spot, they built homes out of mud or wood. Small villages grew into bigger towns. People made pottery, tools, and cloth. Some people became leaders, builders, or traders. This is how early civilizations started.

Fun Facts

  • The first farming began in a place called the Fertile Crescent.
  • Dogs were one of the first animals to become our friends.
  • Some of the oldest farming towns are over 9,000 years old.

Did You Know?

Almost every food you eat today comes from plants or animals that were tamed long ago.