The day Jericho is established

Was Jericho the world’s first city? Around 3,000 people are thought to have lived there circa 8000 BC. But archaeologists are puzzled: Why would people establish such a complex community 10,000 years ago? Humans tend to gather in settlements when they are specialized and generating surpluses. For example: A farmer produces more crops than he needs, but he requires tools. But in 8000 BC, people could not even make pottery or work with metals. Jericho remains a mystery. But the fact is: The first social communities are formed in cities like Jericho— and modern structures soon follow. Only 3,000 years later the first supply networks appear in Eridu (modernday Iraq), along with a sewer system and a rudimentary administrative apparatus.