Tag: Ancient farming

Archaeological analysis of ancient pottery has revealed traces of milk fats dating back nearly 9,000 years in modern-day Turkey. This discovery confirms that, yes, our ancestors consumed dairy, but the story of how and why is more complex than simply drinking raw milk, as most early adults were lactose intolerant.

Archaeological findings from sites in Belgium and Iraq reveal that Neanderthals consumed a diverse diet including cooked plants like legumes and dates, challenging the myth of a meat-only prehistoric diet. Across millennia, human history is a story of ingenuity in securing enough energy to survive and thrive before modern agriculture.

5000 years ago, most of humanity was entrenched in the Neolithic Revolution, a profound shift from nomadic hunting and gathering to settled agriculture. This transition dramatically reshaped dietary habits, introducing domesticated crops and animals alongside the continued reliance on wild food sources.

Milk has been a staple in the human diet for millennia, with archaeological evidence of dairy consumption dating back over 7,500 years in Europe. This deep-seated relationship is a complex tale of genetic evolution, robust nutrition, powerful marketing, and deep-seated cultural significance that explains why humans consume so much milk.

Recent paleoanthropological studies have found that the transition to farming approximately 10,000 years ago coincided with a significant decline in overall human health. This unexpected outcome raises the question: who was healthier, hunters and gatherers or farmers?

An estimated 68% of the world's adult population experiences lactose malabsorption, raising the fundamental question: are humans supposed to be able to drink milk? The answer lies in a fascinating story of genetic evolution, human cultural practices, and adaptation that separates a majority of the global population from a lactose-tolerant minority.

While popular culture often depicts Vikings with horns of mead, archaeological and textual evidence shows that milk and its products were a cornerstone of their diet. This nutrient-dense staple, sourced from cows, goats, and sheep, was vital for survival in the harsh Scandinavian climate.