Triticeae Genomics and Genetics, 2024, Vol.15, No.5, 234-243 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/tgg 234 Review Article Open Access The Archaeological Record of Wheat: From Neolithic Innovations to Modern Developments AnnieNyu The HITAR Institute Canada, British Columbia, V4A7Z5, Canada Corresponding email: annienyu@hitar.org Triticeae Genomics and Genetics, 2024, Vol.15, No.5 doi: 10.5376/tgg.2024.15.0022 Received: 02 Aug., 2024 Accepted: 06 Sep., 2024 Published: 18 Sep., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Nyu, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Nyu A., 2024, The archaeological record of wheat: from neolithic innovations to modern developments, Triticeae Genomics and Genetics, 15(5): 234-243 (doi: 10.5376/tgg.2024.15.0022) Abstract Wheat has played a fundamental role in human societal development, from its early domestication in the Neolithic era to its current status as a global staple crop. This study reviews the archaeological, genetic, and historical records of wheat, tracing its evolutionary journey over millennia. Beginning with its domestication in the Fertile Crescent, the research explores wheat's spread to Europe and Asia, its adaptability to diverse climates, and the technological innovations that shaped its cultivation. Special attention is given to wheat's role in ancient empires, the agricultural advancements that promoted its growth, and its integration into cultural and religious practices. The study also examines the impacts of modern developments, including the Green Revolution, genetic engineering, and precision agriculture. Finally, it addresses the contemporary challenges of wheat cultivation, particularly in the context of climate change and sustainability, while reflecting on wheat's ongoing importance to human health and global food security. Keywords Wheat domestication; Archaeobotany; Neolithic agriculture; Wheat cultivation; Green revolution; Genetic engineering; Climate change adaptation 1 Introduction Wheat has been a cornerstone of human civilization, playing a pivotal role in the development of societies from the Neolithic era to the present day (Toulemonde et al., 202). Its cultivation dates back approximately 12 000 years, marking the transition from nomadic lifestyles to settled agricultural communities (Velimirović et al., 2021). The domestication of wheat, along with barley, in the Near East during the early Holocene epoch, significantly influenced the socio-economic structures of ancient societies (Ghahremaninejad et al., 2021). The adaptability of wheat to various climates and its high nutritional value facilitated its spread from its origin in the Fertile Crescent to other parts of the world, making it one of the most important cereal crops globally (Sousa et al., 2021; Velimirović et al., 2021). The domestication and cultivation of wheat were instrumental in the rise of early agricultural societies. In regions such as Mesopotamia, the cultivation of tetraploid wild emmer wheat around 4 000 B.C.E. supported the growth of the first civilizations (Velimirović et al., 2021). Similarly, in Iran, the domestication of wheat and barley around the 10th millennium BP led to significant advancements in agricultural techniques, irrigation, and storage, which in turn spurred the development of complex human societies (Sousa et al., 2021). The introduction of wheat to other regions, such as northern China, also marked a significant shift in subsistence economies, often in response to climatic changes (Cheung et al., 2019). These early agricultural innovations laid the foundation for modern agricultural practices and societal development. This study will explore the historical significance of wheat cultivation, its impact on early agricultural societies, and the technological advancements that have shaped its production. By examining archaeological and archaeobotanical evidence from various regions, including the Near East, Europe, and Asia, the study highlights the evolutionary trajectory of wheat and its enduring importance as a staple crop. The study covers genetic, environmental, and socio-political factors influencing wheat cultivation, providing insights to inform future agricultural development strategies.
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