Comet Impact 12,800 Years Ago Sparked the Rise of Agriculture

Last edited Wed Oct 4, 2023, 09:04 AM - Edit history (1)

Ivan Petricevic
Posted on October 4, 2023
2 min read



12,800 years ago, an unexpected visitor from space might have altered the course of human history.


A fragmented comet’s catastrophic collision with Earth’s atmosphere approximately 12,800 years ago may have been the turning point that propelled hunter-gatherers in Abu Hureyra, Syria, towards agricultural innovation, suggesting a cosmic connection to the dawn of farming.

12,800 years ago, an unexpected visitor from space might have altered the course of human history. Scientists believe that this celestial event caused abrupt environmental shifts that dramatically influenced the livelihood of prehistoric settlements like Abu Hureyra.

“In this general region, there was a change from more humid conditions… to drier, cooler conditions when they could no longer subsist only as hunter-gatherers,” emphasized Earth scientist James Kennett of UC Santa Barbara. Historical remnants reveal that the settlement started cultivating staples like barley, wheat, and legumes in response to these changes.

Underwater Secrets of Abu Hureyra
Although Lake Assad now submerges Abu Hureyra, excavations prior to the construction of the Taqba Dam unveiled a wealth of archaeological material. This treasure trove showed the transition in diet from wild fruits and berries to domestic grains and lentils, marking an early experiment in cultivation.

A deep dive into Abu Hureyra’s layers reveals traces of immense burning. Scientists discovered residues that could only be a result of temperatures far surpassing anything mankind could achieve at that time – including high concentrations of platinum, nanodiamonds, and tiny metallic spherules. Such evidence points towards a cosmic explosion powerful enough to reshape landscapes and, most importantly, civilizations.

More:
https://curiosmos.com/comet-impact-12800-years-ago-sparked-the-rise-of-agriculture/