1.
Barley
has been a very influential plant, both throughout history and in our world
today. It played a huge role in the shift of the human lifestyle from a
hunter-gatherer society to an agricultural civilization. This transition, known
as the Neolithic Revolution, took place in the Fertile Crescent, mainly as a
response to a changing climate. Barley was one of the main cereals that was
domesticated at the start of the Neolithic Revolution. These crops were cultivated,
harvested, and stored, enabling the creation of civilizations. This drastic
change in lifestyle had both positive and negative effects that changed the
course of human history.
2.
When
humans were hunters and gatherers, they had to constantly move around to adapt
to the climate and find the available food sources. However, with the invention
of agriculture, people could settle down and stay in one place, which led to a
much more sedentary way of life. The diet became less balanced, and nutrition
suffered; farmers were much less physically fit and had worse teeth than
hunter-gatherers, and the average height decreased. Farming societies are also
much more vulnerable to the weather and environment, such as droughts, famines,
and disease. On the other hand, the domestication of plants and animals meant a
steady source of food, and often a surplus of food. This security allowed
specialization and the appearance of new skills, such as tool-making,
carpentry, and weaving. This led to more structured societies and therefore the
creation of government, and an increase in trade.
3.
Today,
barley continues to be an important plant as the fourth largest grain crop in
the world. It is a key ingredient in beer and foods like bread and cereal, all
of which are very widely consumed. Barley offers a number of health benefits,
most notably reducing cholesterol, improve the immune system, and possibly reduce
the risk of heart disease. The Carlsberg brewery strives to produce the highest
quality beer from the highest quality barley. This would be impossible without
the domestication of plants and the Neolithic Revolution.
4.
Relevant Sites:
http://www.gohistorygo.com/#!neolithic-revolution-/c171w
http://wholegrainscouncil.org/whole-grains-101/barley-february-grain-of-the-month
http://h2g2.com/edited_entry/A2054675
Photo Citations:
1. http://agritech.tnau.ac.in/postharvest/pht_cereal_barley_clip_imagebarley.jpg
2. http://makaylashistorywebsite.weebly.com/uploads/1/3/5/9/13599554/4723501.jpg?1348065752
3.
http://careforthebody.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/evolution.jpg?w=625
4. http://www.copenhagenet.dk/cph-map/Images/Carlsberg-Beer-Logo.jpg
Hi Lucy!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great description of the role that barley played in the domestication of plants and the Neolithic Revolution! This really sums up the impacts of barley, both historically and today. To build on your post, I'm wondering whether you think that barley had greater historical importance during the time of the Agricultural Revolution than it does today. I know we mostly looked at barley today in the context of beer, but are there other ways in which barley is culturally significant today? Or, one might argue that even if barley did play a greater role in shaping society during the Neolithic Era than it does today, we still wouldn't be where we are today without barley... Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!
Hi Ariel! Thanks for the question. You're right that barley is significant in many other ways -- particularly used in bread and other foods, and animal feed -- and is a relatively adaptable crop. However, I would argue that it was more influential at the time of the Agriculture Revolution than it is today. Although it is widely used today, barley could most likely be replaced by another cereal grain in most products. I think the domestication of barley, and eventually other crops, played a greater role in shaping society.
DeleteI definitely agree with you, though, that we wouldn't be where we are today without barley!