The first thing we learn in World History class is that humans were nomadic hunter-gatherers until 10,000 years ago, when they discovered how to grow crops and then settled into permanent communities, which gave them time to develop civilization. But an archaeological dig called Nahal Ein Gev II in northern Israel near the Sea of Galilee is turning that idea on its head.
In 1963, a village was discovered here that flourished for about 200 years as a permanent settlement, although serious excavation only began in 2010. The residents have been identified as Natufians, a culture previously thought to be completely nomadic. They built stone houses, established a cemetery, and developed sophisticated tools- 12,000 years ago! Some of the finds include artifacts that indicate they may have used a rudimentary type of sewing machine and spindles to make string from fiber. They also made and wore jewelry. These indications of a permanent settlement hint that not only were the Natufians of Nahal Ein Gev II two millennia ahead of the presumed agricultural revolution, but that they built on technology that may be even more ancient.
While these villagers had tools to cut plants, archaeologists aren't ready to say they cultivated crops. That brings up the question of whether permanent settlements may have preceded the development of agriculture altogether. Read about this intriguing village and what we learned about it so far at Smithsonian.
(Image credit: Daniel Rolider)