Wanderlust World Wanderlust World The Neolithic Revolution—the transition from hunting-gathering to farming—occurred independently in several world regions:
Fertile Crescent (Middle East): Around 10,000 BC, wheat, barley, lentils, and peas were domesticated in this arc of fertile land spanning modern-day Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Palestine, Jordan, and Egypt.
Nile Valley (Egypt): By 6,000 BC, wheat, barley, and flax were cultivated along the Nile's floodplains.
West Africa: Independent domestication of millet, sorghum, and yams occurred around 5,000 BC in the Sahel and savanna zones.
Mesoamerica (Mexico/Central America): Maize (corn), beans, and squash—the "Three Sisters"—were domesticated starting around 5,000 BC.
Andean Region (Peru/Bolivia): Potatoes, quinoa, and maize were cultivated in high-altitude valleys by 4,000 BC.
These developments were gradual, shaped by local environments, climate change, and cultural innovation.