Domestication: A Critical History of Human Settlement

This lecture delves into the concept of domestication as the first cultural move that physically altered the landscape for human settlement, exploring the transition from hunter-gatherer societies to sedentary living and the rise of agriculture. It examines the intimate relationship between hunter-gatherers and their habitat, the 'Domus' effect, and the courtyard effect in early settlements. The speaker discusses the Neolithic 'Revolution' and the transition to agriculture, highlighting the impact of domestication on human societies. The lecture also covers the symbolism of gender in property rights, the sexual division of labor in ancient cultures, and the evolution of household structures from simple shelters to complex frameworks integrating various activities.