Who did ancient people tame after dogs? - briefly
After domesticating dogs, ancient people turned their attention to other animals that could be beneficial for various purposes. The next animals to be tamed were typically cats, which helped control pests, and sheep, which provided wool and meat.
Who did ancient people tame after dogs? - in detail
After domesticating dogs, ancient people turned their attention to several other animals, recognizing their potential for various benefits. The process of taming these animals was driven by practical needs such as labor, food, and companionship. One of the earliest animals to be domesticated after dogs was the sheep. Sheep were valued for their wool, meat, and milk, making them a versatile addition to ancient societies. The domestication of sheep is believed to have occurred around 9000 BCE in the Fertile Crescent, a region that includes parts of modern-day Iraq, Syria, and Turkey. This period marked the beginning of the Neolithic Revolution, where humans transitioned from nomadic hunter-gatherers to settled agricultural communities.
Another significant animal domesticated after dogs was the goat. Like sheep, goats were domesticated in the Fertile Crescent around the same time. Goats provided meat, milk, and hides, and were also useful for their ability to thrive in harsh environments. Their hardiness and adaptability made them valuable to early agricultural societies. The domestication of goats and sheep was closely linked, as both animals were often herded together and provided complementary resources.
Cattle were also among the first animals to be domesticated after dogs. The domestication of cattle is believed to have occurred around 8000 BCE in the Near East. Cattle provided meat, milk, and hides, and were also used for plowing fields, which was crucial for the development of agriculture. The domestication of cattle required significant effort, as these animals are larger and more powerful than sheep and goats. However, the benefits they provided made the effort worthwhile.
Pigs were another animal domesticated by ancient people. The domestication of pigs is believed to have occurred around 7000 BCE in the Near East and China. Pigs were valued for their meat and were relatively easy to raise, as they could forage for food on their own. Their ability to convert a variety of food sources into meat made them a valuable resource for ancient societies.
The domestication of these animals had profound effects on ancient societies. It allowed for the development of settled communities, the establishment of agriculture, and the creation of surplus food resources. This, in turn, led to population growth, the development of specialized labor, and the emergence of complex societies. The domestication of animals after dogs was a crucial step in the evolution of human civilization, shaping the way people lived and interacted with their environment.