The development of farming in the Middle East in ancient times brought about a number of significant changes, including increased sedentarism and the rise of civilization. As people began to rely on agriculture for their food supply, they needed to stay in one place for longer periods of time. This led to the development of permanent settlements and the growth of towns and cities. The surplus food produced by farming also allowed for the development of other industries, such as trade, manufacturing, and writing. These factors all contributed to the rise of civilization in the Middle East.