In class, we read Dirt, by David R. Montgomery, a professor of Earth and Space Sciences. Dirt analyses how civilization uses soil. In the chapter “Rivers of Life,” civilization and agriculture’s emergence is explained. After the ice age ended, the earth warmed up, and rainfall increased. According to Montgomery, “communities of hunter-gatherers began to take root in locations where resources were particularly abundant” (Montgomery 31). These communities started to take root, and were living in the best places in the area. I am fascinated by his theory, and find that it seems a realistic theory of civilization and agriculture.
I also looked at an article by Kathryn A. Bard, The Geography of Excavated Predynastic Sites and the Rise of Complex Society, an account of ancient archaeology and society in Egypt. According to Bard, complex society, or a society that has settled …show more content…
In addition, pottery was unnecessary, given their lifestyle. With the emergence of agriculture, there became a need to store any excess food. The excavations done in Upper Egypt, where Abydos is, suggests some social strata, though no economical solution has been provided. Bard suggests that since “Abydos today is the richest agricultural zone in Upper Egypt, and presumably agriculture was the basis of its wealth in Predynastic times” (Bard 90). Jars like the artifact from Abydos were commonly used in the Royal Tombs to hold the belongings, and other items, of the deceased. Jars found in tombs are an evidence of wealth, which only was created by the emergence of agriculture in the shores of the Nile. Abydos was perfectly set up for this, because according to Montgomery, “Neolithic settlements that emerged after the Younger Dryas were located at sites ideally suited for agriculture with rich soils and ample water supplies” (Montgomery
I also looked at an article by Kathryn A. Bard, The Geography of Excavated Predynastic Sites and the Rise of Complex Society, an account of ancient archaeology and society in Egypt. According to Bard, complex society, or a society that has settled …show more content…
In addition, pottery was unnecessary, given their lifestyle. With the emergence of agriculture, there became a need to store any excess food. The excavations done in Upper Egypt, where Abydos is, suggests some social strata, though no economical solution has been provided. Bard suggests that since “Abydos today is the richest agricultural zone in Upper Egypt, and presumably agriculture was the basis of its wealth in Predynastic times” (Bard 90). Jars like the artifact from Abydos were commonly used in the Royal Tombs to hold the belongings, and other items, of the deceased. Jars found in tombs are an evidence of wealth, which only was created by the emergence of agriculture in the shores of the Nile. Abydos was perfectly set up for this, because according to Montgomery, “Neolithic settlements that emerged after the Younger Dryas were located at sites ideally suited for agriculture with rich soils and ample water supplies” (Montgomery