| Location | |
| Food spread | Mediterranean • Europe • Africa • Americas |
| Achievements | Cultural achievements • Agricultural achievements |
| Central crop | Rice |
| Civilization | |
| Main occupation | |
| Development period | Around 8,000 BCE |
| Regional varieties | Mediterranean rice • Carolina Gold (rice) • Basmati • Japonica |
Neolithic rice cultivation is widely known to have originated in China, where it began around 7,000 BCE. However, in an alternate timeline, archaeologists and historians made an astounding discovery: a separate agricultural revolution centered on the cultivation and eventual domestication of rice in the Aegean region around 8,000 BCE. This advancement laid the foundation for a civilization with a profoundly different trajectory from our own.
Around 8,000 BCE, sedentary communities in the Aegean region cultivated wild rice species to complement their diet, which was primarily supported by seafood and supplemented by domesticated animals such as goats and sheep. According to archaeological evidence, the resourceful nature of these ancient communities allowed them to develop distinct rice cultivation techniques, taking advantage of the surrounding marshlands and flooded areas for growing wild rice.
Over time, increasingly sophisticated agricultural techniques evolved, leading to the domestication of various local rice species approximately between 7,000 and 6,000 BCE. These domesticated varieties showcased a range of adaptations, including gaining better pest resistance, higher yields, and considerably reduced shattering of the mature grains—hallmarks of intentional human manipulation.
The domestication and cultivation of rice set the stage for the growth and expansion of a civilization in the Aegean region. As rice production flourished, these ancient communities were able to support larger populations, with settlements growing into complex urban centers. Built upon an elaborate social and economic structure, the Aegean rice civilization is believed to have been characterized by a more egalitarian society compared to other contemporary civilizations.
As the Aegean rice civilization continued to expand, it opened up new avenues for the spread of this innovative cereal crop. Rice cultivation, along with the spread of Aegean cultural and technological advancements, began to make inroads in Europe, Africa, and even the American continent. This led to the cultivation of various new regional rice species, each adapting to the unique landscapes and climates encountered along the way.
The dominant presence of the Aegean civilization throughout the Mediterranean region paved the way for the growth of extensive maritime networks. Trade routes were established between the numerous Aegean ports and cities, facilitating the transfer of goods, ideas, and agricultural technologies beyond the shores of the Mediterranean. As a result, the influence of the Aegean rice civilization spread far and wide, eventually reaching lands as distant as Ireland in the west and Morocco in the south.
The proliferation of Aegean rice cultivation across the globe gave rise to a multitude of regional rice varieties. These distinct species can be attributed to millennia of human selection, combined with climatic and geographical pressures on the crop. The Mediterranean Basin, being a region known for its remarkable diversity in landscapes, saw the cultivation of various short- and medium-grain rice species.
Over time, certain rice varieties emerged as staple crops in specific regions. For example, aromatic rice grew predominantly in the eastern and central Mediterranean and found its way into the cuisine of various cultures, such as Romans and Greeks. Meanwhile, long-grain rice became more popular in the southwestern parts of the Mediterranean—primarily North Africa and Iberia—due to more favorable growing conditions.
Archaeological evidence has provided a fascinating look into the history of rice cultivation in the Aegean region. Findings such as ancient grains, agricultural tools, and pottery reveal the extensive use of rice in various aspects of the ancient Aegean society, including religious ceremonies, dietary practices, and even art and architecture.
Moreover, archaeological investigations along the ancient Aegean coastlines and river valleys further highlight the importance of rice cultivation in sustaining these early civilizations. The discovery of ancient structures dedicated to water management, irrigation systems, and flood management techniques underlines the central role of rice in both agrarian practices and the overall development of the Aegean civilization.
In this alternate timeline, the history of Neolithic rice cultivation represents a unique development that has significantly influenced the course of human history. The cultivation and domestication of rice in the Aegean region not only laid the foundation for the establishment of a sophisticated maritime civilization but also had far-reaching impacts on global social and environmental dynamics. Maritime trade networks, regional food cultures, and widespread agrarian practices all bear the hallmarks of this fascinating alternate history.
