Lecture
This lecture explores the Neolithic Revolution, a significant period around 10,000 years ago when human societies transitioned from hunting and gathering to agriculture and settled life. The revolution led to the emergence of the first cities, states, and the domestication of plants and animals, fundamentally changing human history. The lecture delves into the geographical trends of agricultural systems, the extinction of large mammal species, and the impact of climate change during the Holocene. It also discusses the development of urban centers, the writing system, and the social structures of early city-states. The instructor presents key archaeological findings, bio-technologies, and the energy dynamics of Neolithic civilizations.