First Farmers - The Origins of Agricultural Societies

This second edition of First Farmers provides a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the origins and histories of the first agricultural populations in many parts of the world. It explores the latest evidence and theories surrounding the early development of agricultural practices through data drawn from archaeology, comparative linguistics, and biological anthropology. The book is authored by a leading scholar with extensive experience in anthropology and archaeology and includes new maps and illustrations to reflect the multidisciplinary knowledge of the present day. It is an important work of scholarship and an excellent introduction to multiple methods of anthropological and archaeological inquiry for beginner students in prehistoric anthropology and archaeology, human migration, archaeology of East and Southeast Asia, agricultural history, comparative anthropology, and more disciplines.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 29 December 2022
Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Ltd

This comprehensive and accessible introduction delves into the origins and historical trajectories of the earliest agricultural populations across diverse regions worldwide. In its revised and updated second edition, First Farmers explores the intricate tapestry of food production that has unfolded across the globe, shedding light on the expansions of agricultural communities from their ancestral origins over the past 12,000 years. The book commences with an examination of the archaeological records from the multiple homelands of agriculture, providing a foundational framework for the subsequent discussions. It then ventures into interdisciplinary realms, drawing upon linguistic and genomic information to unravel the human past. This edition incorporates the latest findings from the past ten years of research, offering a fresh perspective on the early development of agricultural practices.

Spanning twelve chapters, the text delves into the latest evidence and prevailing theories surrounding the early emergence of agricultural practices. It amalgamates data from various anthropological disciplines, including archaeology, comparative linguistics, and biological anthropology, to present a cohesive narrative of early farmer migration. Drawing upon the author's extensive research into the agricultural prehistory of East and Southeast Asia, one of the prime areas for teaching prehistoric archaeology, this book offers an engaging account of how prehistoric humans ventured into new landscapes.

The second edition of First Farmers has undergone a thorough update, featuring an abundance of new maps and illustrations that reflect the multidisciplinary expertise of our contemporary era. Authored by a renowned scholar with a diverse background spanning anthropology and archaeology, this edition encompasses a wealth of information on various topics. It delves into the early farming dispersal hypothesis, offering a contemporary perspective on this pivotal period in human history. Additionally, it provides operational considerations regarding the origins and dispersals of agriculture, shedding light on the complex processes that shaped the development of agriculture across the Eurasian continent.

In conclusion, First Farmers, Second Edition serves as an indispensable resource for scholars, students, and enthusiasts alike. It provides a comprehensive and accessible entry point into the origins and histories of the earliest agricultural populations, offering a rich tapestry of knowledge that spans multiple disciplines. Through its revised and updated content, this book continues to be a valuable tool for understanding the complex dynamics of human civilization and the transformative power of agriculture.

Weight: 674g
Dimension: 254 x 178 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781119706342