The “Rice” of Empires




The person who finally figured out what to do with the grains on the grass-like plants that grow on marshy grounds was probably not aware that he has found not only food, but the seeds that will build civilizations.
The cultivation of rice (and other grains) made it necessary for ancient peoples to live together and to cooperate with each other. The first communities were founded, and from these early agricultural communities the mighty empires of the ancient world arose.
Archaeologists found evidence that rice cultivation in Asia began as early as 10,000 BC. In Thailand, rice was first grown there around six thousand years ago. Over the centuries, it has spread through China, Japan, and other Asian countries.



So, next time you eat rice, think about this: from such small grains, empires were built.


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