At the dawn of human civilization, our ancestors began to transition from nomadic life to settled agriculture. The core of this transition was the acquisition and utilization of food. The main grains in ancient society included millet, sorghum, rice, wheat, and barley, and the cultivation and consumption of these food crops marked the entry of humanity into a new era. This article will explore the grains initially consumed by ancient humans and the subsequent evolution of grain types.

In the early Paleolithic era, humans' staple foods were primarily obtained through hunting and gathering, including various wild fruits, nuts, roots, and a small amount of grains. With the invention and development of agricultural technology, humans began to consciously plant and harvest food crops. One of the earliest agricultural civilizations emerged in the "fertile crescent" of the Middle East, where residents first began to cultivate wheat and barley.

In China, according to archaeological discoveries, one of the earliest food crops was millet (also known as xiaomi), which was found in Neolithic sites in northern China. Millet became an important food source for early agricultural societies due to its drought resistance and shorter growth cycle. Additionally, sorghum (kaoliang) was also one of the important food crops in ancient China.

As time passed, humans continuously improved their planting techniques for food crops, and the cultivation of rice and wheat gradually spread to other regions. In East Asia, especially in southern China, rice became the primary food crop, and its abundant yields supported population growth and cultural development. In the Mediterranean region, Europe, and other parts of Asia, wheat and barley were the basic food sources.

Conclusion:

The consumption of food in ancient society gradually shifted from initial wild fruits and hunting to agriculturally grown food crops. Millet and sorghum were the foundation of early agriculture in China, while wheat and barley played similar roles in the Middle East. With the development of agricultural technology, the cultivation of rice and wheat also became popular globally. The cultivation of these food crops not only changed human eating habits but also drove the progress of human society and the development of civilization.

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