Early farmers and pastoralists in western Europe were the first people to drink milk regularly.
Before about 10,000 years ago, milk consumption was rare. According to research, it was the early farmers and pastoralists in western Europe who began incorporating milk into their diets on a regular basis. These people were among the first to domesticate animals, including cows, which provided a readily available source of milk.
The Evolution of Milk Consumption
Here's a breakdown of how milk consumption evolved:
- Ancient Times: Before about 10,000 years ago, milk consumption was uncommon.
- Early Farmers: The first to regularly drink milk were farmers and pastoralists in Western Europe.
- Domesticated Animals: These people were among the first to live with domesticated animals, such as cows, which provided a regular source of milk.
The shift towards regular milk consumption marked a significant change in human dietary habits and highlights the important role of domestication in shaping human societies. The early farmers and pastoralists in Western Europe were key in this change.
