Posted: Thu Jan 18, 2007 8:23 am
It is also possible that the Asturian and Turkish horreos represent independent invention of a solution to similar problems - that of keepng grain free from rodents and from ground moisture. Even the shape of the pegollus could be seen that way. By using a tapered pegollu the center of gravity of the stone is shifted toward the bottom (once it it upright) and the overall weight is reduced. Both of these features would make it easier to raise the stone to an upright position.
By the way, agriculture - as opposed to hunting and gathering - brings with it its own set of problems, such as increasing dependence on one or a few sources of food with all its attendant consequences. Irrigation of cereal crops in the ancient near east led to soil salination and ultimately to crop failure and a significant drop in the human population. Wheat, which is not very salt resistant, was ultimately replaced by barley.
By the way, agriculture - as opposed to hunting and gathering - brings with it its own set of problems, such as increasing dependence on one or a few sources of food with all its attendant consequences. Irrigation of cereal crops in the ancient near east led to soil salination and ultimately to crop failure and a significant drop in the human population. Wheat, which is not very salt resistant, was ultimately replaced by barley.