Remains of early farmers found in Jordan

The 14,000-year-old remains of an adult and child have been found in Jordan’s Black Desert and are providing clues to how human’s first made the leap to agriculture in the area.

By analysing bones, seeds and other remains scientists hope to discover that in this area, 14.000 years ago, humans began farming, settling and forming large social groups.

“We can then identify different species of plants, which in turn will tell us what sorts of things were growing out here. It’s hard to imagine right now because it’s all desert, but back many, many years ago, it was actually really nice and very, very green, and we can tell that from these plant remains,” says finds co-ordinator Erin Estrup.

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Story: Dalya Alberge, The Guardian | Photo: Graeme Laidlaw