Stone Age to Civilization

For nearly two million years, humans lived as mobile hunters and gatherers. Around 15,000 years ago, communities in the Fertile Crescent began to settle, and by 10,000 years ago, agriculture emerged. The first cities and states emerged around 5,000 years ago. Originating in the Middle East and later spreading worldwide, this transformation reshaped human societies. This talk examines how and why humans made this shift—and asks whether the rise of civilization ultimately improved human well-being. Speaker Robert Allen, Global Distinguished Professor of Economic History, NYUAD