Jarmo

Definition

Jarmo is an archaeological site located in northeastern Iraq that provides significant evidence of early Neolithic agricultural practices. Dating back to around 9,000 BCE, Jarmo is one of the earliest known farming communities and illustrates the transition from hunting and gathering to settled agricultural life. The findings at Jarmo highlight key developments such as domestication of plants and animals, permanent structures, and social organization that laid the foundation for future civilizations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Jarmo is one of the earliest known sites where evidence of farming was found, marking a crucial step in human history.
2. Archaeological excavations at Jarmo revealed domesticated wheat, barley, and animals such as goats and pigs.
3. The site featured early examples of mud-brick houses, indicating advancements in construction and community living.
4. Artifacts discovered at Jarmo include tools made from stone and bone, reflecting the technological innovations of early farmers.
5. Jarmo's findings provide insight into the social structure of early agricultural societies, suggesting the emergence of communal living and cooperation.

Review Questions

• How does Jarmo exemplify the transition from hunting-gathering societies to agricultural communities?
  • Jarmo exemplifies this transition by showcasing evidence of domesticated plants and animals that were essential for agriculture. The presence of permanent structures indicates that people began settling in one place rather than moving constantly in search of food. This shift allowed for more complex social organizations and cooperation among community members, fundamentally changing how humans lived and interacted with their environment.
• Discuss the significance of the findings at Jarmo in understanding early human agricultural practices.
  • The findings at Jarmo are significant because they provide concrete evidence of early agricultural practices that shaped human societies. The domestication of plants like wheat and barley, along with animals such as goats, illustrates how early humans adapted their lifestyles for more stable food sources. These developments marked a departure from nomadic life, allowing for permanent settlements that became the basis for future civilizations.
• Evaluate the impact of Jarmo on our understanding of social structures in early agricultural communities.
  • Jarmo's archaeological evidence indicates that early agricultural communities had developed complex social structures. The presence of permanent homes suggests a shift towards sedentism, which likely fostered communal living and cooperation among residents. This early form of social organization paved the way for more hierarchical societies as agricultural practices evolved, leading to increased population density and specialization within communities.

Related terms

Neolithic Revolution:

A major turning point in human history characterized by the shift from nomadic lifestyles of hunting and gathering to settled farming and agriculture.

Domestication:

The process of adapting wild plants and animals for human use, leading to the development of agriculture and livestock.

Sedentism:

The practice of living in one place for a long time, which became common with the advent of agriculture and the establishment of permanent settlements.