Armenia in the Mesolithic Period

The Middle Stone Age (Mesolithic) lasted for about 5–6 thousand years, from about the 12th to the middle of the 7th millennium BC. During this time period, the modern human has been finally formed.

The invention of the bow and arrow greatly facilitated hunting, which in its turn increased the consumption of meat food.

The emergence of hoe-farming provided early humans with constant and abundant sources of plant food. The gradual domestication of wild animals gave humans the opportunity to further increase their consumption of meat and other livestock products.

The first division of labor between men and women in the history of mankind has taken place during this period as well. Men have become engaged in hunting and cattle breeding and women in hoe-farming.

Over the millennia, the population of mankind has steadily increased, with the first primitive human herd breaking apart into separate groups. The territory on which the primitive human herd has lived could no longer provide food to a large number of people.

The newly formed human herds have begun to develop new territories. The formation of new forms of social organization of human society has taken place as well. On the basis of blood ties, clans or tribal groups have been separated from each other.

The role of women as continuers of the race has increased. Clans that had descended from a single human herd have united in tribes. Tribal languages, common beliefs, and customs have been developed as well.

Source: The history of the Armenian people in questions and answers (Russian-Armenian (Slavic) University), armenia.ru