The Near East Neolithic Revolution: Fire and the Rise of Agriculture
2025-04-26
This literature review synthesizes numerous studies on the interplay between early Holocene climate change, environmental shifts, and human activities (particularly agriculture and fire use) in the Near East. Combining archaeological, paleoclimatological, and paleoenvironmental evidence, it explores the transition from foraging to farming societies and the crucial role of fire in this transformation. The research suggests that climate change and human manipulation of fire jointly shaped the landscape and societal development of the region, offering novel insights into the origins of human civilization.