Question

Историческое значение "неолитической революции"

Answer 1

НЕОЛИТИЧЕСКАЯ РЕВОЛЮЦИЯ (neolitic revolution) – произошедший в позднепервобытном обществе революционный переворот в производстве, связанный, как правило, с переходом от присваивающего к производящему хозяйству и создавший предпосылки для формирования раннеклассового общества.

Термин «неолитическая революция» ввел в 1949 английский археолог Гордон Чайлд, близкий по своим концептуальным предпочтениям к марксизму и предложивший термин по аналогии с марксистским понятием «промышленная революция». Эта революция, по Чайлду, «трансформировала человеческую экономику, дала человеку контроль над его собственным запасом продовольствия», создав тем самым условия возникновения цивилизации. Поскольку понятие «промышленная революция» к середине 20 в. уже стало общепринятым, то и термин «неолитическая революция» быстро завоевал популярность. Другие варианты названий этого исторического события (например, «революция в производстве пищи», «земледельческая революция») не получили поддержки специалистов.

В настоящее время неолитическая революция считается одним из трех главных революционных изменений в экономике – наряду с промышленной и научно-технической революциями.

Answer 2

The Historical Significance of the Neolithic Revolution

The Neolithic Revolution refers to the transition from a hunter-gatherer lifestyle to settled agriculture and the development of permanent human settlements. This period, which occurred around 10,000 to 8,000 BCE, marked a significant turning point in human history and had several important consequences.

1. Agricultural Development: One of the key outcomes of the Neolithic Revolution was the development of agriculture. Humans began to cultivate crops such as wheat, barley, and rice, and domesticated animals for food, labor, and other resources. This shift from a nomadic lifestyle to settled agriculture allowed for a more reliable and abundant food supply, leading to population growth and the establishment of permanent settlements.

2. Social and Economic Changes: The transition to agriculture brought about significant social and economic changes. With the ability to produce surplus food, societies became more complex and stratified. The division of labor emerged, with some individuals specializing in farming, while others engaged in crafts, trade, or governance. This specialization led to the development of more complex social structures and the rise of early civilizations.

3. Technological Advancements: The Neolithic Revolution also spurred technological advancements. As people settled in one place, they developed tools and techniques for farming, such as the use of plows, irrigation systems, and storage facilities. These innovations increased agricultural productivity and allowed for the cultivation of larger areas of land. Additionally, the need to keep track of time for planting and harvesting led to the development of calendars and early forms of writing.

4. Environmental Impact: The shift to agriculture had a profound impact on the environment. Humans cleared land for farming, leading to deforestation and the loss of natural habitats. The domestication of animals also resulted in changes to ecosystems. Additionally, the increased population density in settled communities put pressure on local resources, leading to soil degradation and the need for more intensive farming practices.

5. Cultural and Intellectual Developments: The Neolithic Revolution brought about cultural and intellectual developments. With settled communities, people had more time for artistic expression, the development of religious beliefs, and the creation of complex social structures. The ability to store surplus food also allowed for the accumulation of wealth and the emergence of trade networks. These cultural and economic developments laid the foundation for the growth of early civilizations.

In conclusion, the Neolithic Revolution was a transformative period in human history. It marked the transition from a nomadic, hunter-gatherer lifestyle to settled agriculture and the development of permanent settlements. This shift had far-reaching consequences, including the development of agriculture, social and economic changes, technological advancements, environmental impact, and cultural and intellectual developments.