Centers of Progress: Jericho (Agriculture)

Some archaeological evidence shows that the Natufians enjoyed alcoholic beverages like beer by fermenting cereals, serving as an initial motivation to farm.

This may have led to advanced agriculture in the ancient civilization, with grains and cereals remaining a better choice due to its ability to be stored, unlike the forage for wild animals and fruits.

Over the course of time, the residents of Jericho began cultivating plants and even developed an irrigation system to tackle large harvests. To tackle attacks from neighbouring places and raiders, they built a wall in 8000 BCE, the oldest known protective wall.

They even build a watchtower, whose shadow acted as a way to mark the summer solstice, which may have had significance in those days.

Modern Jericho is a favourite among tourists and history buffs. It still has never-ending archaeological digs happening, and among the old ruins of the new city, there are many cafes selling Arabian food.

The city has a history which is well known in biblical literature, and where the ancient Israelites conquered in 1400 BCE, after they escaped slavery in Egypt.

In pop culture, Bing Crosby and Elvis Presley have covered the ‘Battle of Jericho’ song, about the famous wall.