Once people had a surplus of food, several significant changes occurred in their societies:
-
Division of Labor: With enough food to sustain the population, individuals were able to focus on different tasks beyond just food production. This led to the division of labor, where people specialized in various roles such as artisans, builders, and leaders, which in turn facilitated advancements in technology and culture.
-
Social Structure and Hierarchies: Surplus food allowed communities to grow and led to the development of more complex social structures. This included the establishment of classes or hierarchies, as some individuals amassed more resources or power than others.
-
Trade Relations: While a surplus might reduce the need for immediate trade for food, it often encouraged trade with other societies for different goods, resources, or luxury items. This exchange became a vital part of economic development.
-
Development of Civilizations: The establishment of permanent settlements due to surplus food resources enabled the development of civilizations. This included advancements in governance, religion, writing systems, and urbanization.
-
Irrigation and Agriculture Enhancement: Surplus also encouraged innovations in agriculture, such as irrigation systems to further enhance crop production, but it did not necessarily mean that communities completely stopped eating meat.
In summary, the surplus of food was a catalyst for various societal transformations, contributing to the complexity of human civilizations.