10. Why were cattle so important?

Back to History 8 Agriculture Concepts

Cattle and other similar mammals have played a significant role in the development and sophistication of early human society. Due to bull and cattle symbolism in the sacrificial and fertility cults of New Stone Age humans, some archaeologists argue that before cattle were used for their modern purposes, people may have been originally motivated to domesticate cattle for religious reasons such as sacrifice. Subsequently, domesticated animals such as cattle and sheep were used to create additional sources of protein-rich meat and sometimes milk. Animal hides and wool were also extremely beneficial in the construction of clothes, containers, shelters, and boots.

Image: https://www.studyblue.com/notes/note/n/prehistoric-egypt/deck/736305

For additional information on cattle and domestication, please visit: http://www.britannica.com/science/domestication or http://www.penn.museum/sites/expedition/herding-strategies-at-neolithic-gritille/

Sources

"Cultural Origins of Humans." Origins. Comp. Rosie Beniretto. Ed. Ganesa Collins. Houston, Texas: St. John's School, 2015-2016. 76. Print.

- Lily McCullough