Revolution in the Rhineland: How the first farmers shaped agriculture!

Revolution in the Rhineland: How the first farmers shaped agriculture!

An interdisciplinary research project on early agriculture in the Rhineland has revealed significant insights into the development of grain cultivation between the 6th and early 4th millennium BC. Delivered. Under the direction of Professor Dr. Silviane Scharl and Dr. Astrid Röpke from the University of Cologne and Professor Dr. Astrid Stobbe from the Goethe University Frankfurt, the team examined how agriculture in Central Europe changed during this time. The study was published in the “Journal of Archaeological Science” and funded by the German Research Foundation, involving scientists from various disciplines.

The first farmers in Central Europe belonged to the Linear Ceramic Culture, which existed between around 5400 and 4900 BC. was active. Their agriculture was based mainly on ancient wheat varieties such as emmer and einkorn. Over time, particularly in the Middle Neolithic between 4900 and 4500 BC. In the 1st century BC, new types of grain such as naked wheat and barley were integrated into the cultivation methods. These changes led to increased agricultural resilience and flexibility by allowing farmers to grow both winter and summer crops and use different soil types.

Scientific analysis of archaeobotanical finds

The research team analyzed archaeobotanical macroremains from 72 Neolithic sites in the Rhineland. The samples containing charred seeds date back to the late 6th to early 4th millennium BC. Multivariate statistics showed significant differences between the Neolithic phases. Particularly in the Middle Neolithic, differences in agricultural practices were already evident at the beginning of the period.

The highest variety of grains was around 4350 BC. recorded, followed by a decline indicating a transformation of the agricultural system. The results also indicate increasing livestock farming, particularly cattle farming, which became more important in later years. The farmers developed various agricultural techniques in order to react flexibly to the respective environmental conditions.

Neolithic revolution in a global context

The results of the study from the Rhineland fit into the larger picture of the Neolithic Revolution that took place in the “Fertile Crescent” between 9500 and 8300 BC. BC began. This revolution, which also triggered a fundamental change in Europe, led to sedentarization and the development of planter and pastoral cultures. Important changes such as division of labor, social roles and new technologies characterize this era. Critics of the term “revolution” point out that these developments occurred gradually and often over centuries.

Neolithization, a term coined by Vere Gordon Childe, describes not only the social and cultural changes but also the development of agriculture in different regions independently, such as East Asia. The pressure of unfavorable environmental conditions may have been one of the factors that led to the introduction of agriculture.

In Europe, the transition to agriculture began almost 9,000 years ago with the migration of farmers from the Aegean and western Anatolia following the Danube route. Hunter-gatherers coexisted with these early farmers for several generations. The process of Neolithization was thus characterized by a combination of migration and population mixing rather than violent conflict.

In this complex framework, the study of early agriculture in the Rhineland represents a significant contribution to the reconstruction of humanity's path. The scientific approaches that combine ancient genetic data with modern methods enable a deeper insight into the demographic changes and agricultural developments of this magnificent era.

For more information on the results of this study visit University of Cologne, Wikipedia and Archeology 42.