Who did humans tame after dogs? - briefly
After dogs, the next animals that humans domesticated were sheep and goats, around 9000 BC in Mesopotamia. This was followed by pigs and cattle shortly thereafter.
Who did humans tame after dogs? - in detail
After dogs, humans began to domesticate a variety of animals for different purposes. One of the earliest and most significant was the sheep (Ovis aries), which were likely first domesticated around 9000 BCE in Western Asia. Sheep provided wool, meat, and milk, making them an invaluable resource for early civilizations.
Another important animal that humans tamed was the goat (Capra aegagrus hircus), which originated from wild bezoar ibexes around 8000 BCE in Western Asia. Goats offered meat, milk, and hide, and they were also used for their dung as fuel and fertilizer.
Cattle (Bos taurus) were domesticated from the aurochs (Bos primigenius) in multiple locations around 8000 BCE. Cattle provided draft power, meat, milk, and hides, significantly enhancing agricultural productivity and sustaining larger human populations.
Pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus) were domesticated from wild boars around 8500 BCE in both Europe and Asia. Pigs were raised for their meat and could be kept in small spaces, making them suitable for various environments.
Horses (Equus ferus caballus), originally domesticated from the wild horse (Equus ferus) around 3500 BCE on the Eurasian steppes, revolutionized transportation and warfare. They were used for riding, pulling carts and chariots, and providing meat and milk.
Chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus), domesticated from red junglefowl around 8000 BCE in Southeast Asia, were prized for their eggs and meat. They also played a significant role in various cultural practices and rituals.
These animals, along with dogs, formed the foundation of human agriculture and society, enabling the development of complex civilizations and transforming the way humans interacted with the natural world.