Who did people tame after dogs? - briefly
People domesticated cats as their second animal companion, likely around 10,000 years ago in the Near East. This event occurred several thousand years after the domestication of dogs.
Who did people tame after dogs? - in detail
After dogs, humans began domesticating other animals around 10,000 years ago during the Neolithic Revolution. This period marked a significant shift from hunter-gatherer societies to more settled agricultural communities. The first species to be domesticated after dogs were likely sheep and goats.
Sheep (Ovis aries) were domesticated around 9,000 BC in the Fertile Crescent region of the Middle East. They provided a sustainable source of meat, milk, wool, and hides, which were essential for clothing and shelter. Goats (Capra aegagrus hircus), also domesticated in the same region around the same time, offered similar benefits. Both species are relatively easy to herd and manage, making them suitable for early agricultural practices.
Cattle (Bos taurus) were another important animal domesticated during this period. They were first domesticated around 8,000 BC in the same region as sheep and goats. Cattle provided a significant source of meat, milk, and labor. Their ability to pull plows revolutionized agriculture, enabling farmers to cultivate larger areas more efficiently.
Pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus) were domesticated around 8,500 BC in the Middle East and Europe. Pigs are highly adaptable and can thrive on a variety of food sources, making them an excellent choice for early farmers. They provided a rich source of meat and could be easily integrated into farming systems.
Horses (Equus ferus caballus) were domesticated around 4,000 BC in the Eurasian steppes. Initially used as a food source, horses later became essential for transportation and warfare. Their speed, strength, and endurance made them valuable companions in both agricultural work and military campaigns.
Cats (Felis catus) were domesticated around 10,000 years ago in the Near East and Europe. Unlike other domesticates, cats were not primarily kept for food or labor but rather for their ability to control pests, particularly rodents that threatened grain stores. Their independence and adaptability made them ideal companions for agricultural societies.
These domestication events had profound implications for human societies. They facilitated the transition from nomadic lifestyles to settled communities, enabling the growth of cities and civilizations. The use of animal power for agriculture and transportation led to increased productivity and trade, which in turn fostered cultural and technological advancements.