Agricultural Innovation in the Early Islamic World: The Diffusion of Crops and Farming Techniques, 700-1100

by Andrew M. Watson

Overview

This study describes and explains the revolutionary changes which transformed the agricultural life of the Islamicized world in the four centuries following the early Arab conquests. Professor Watson discusses eighteen crops - from sorghum and rye to the watermelon - which spread through the Near East and North Africa during this period. Their origins, diffusion and uses are reviewed. The book investigates the mechanics of diffusion, the routes by which plants spread, and the processes by which they were acclimatized in their new environment. The social and economic history of agriculture in the medieval Islamic world is assessed in a review of wide importance. Professor Watson sets out to refute the view that the early Islamic period was one of agricultural decline in the Near East. He shows that, in contrast to the late Roman and Sasanian periods, it was a time of agricultural and demographic expansion. Agricultural innovation in the early Islamic world will be of interest to economic, social and agricultural historians and to those concerned with Islam and its effect on Africa and Asia.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521068833
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	07/10/2008
Series:	Cambridge Studies in Islamic Civilization
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	284
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.90(d)

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments; 1. Introduction; Part I. The chronology of diffusion: 2. Sorghum; 3. Asiatic rice; 4. Hard wheat; 5. Sugar cane; 6. Old World cotton; 7. Sour orange, lemon, lime, shaddock; 8. Banana, plantain; 9. Coconut palm; 10. Watermelon; 11. Spinach; 12. Artichoke; 13. Colocasia; 14. Eggplant; 15. Mango tree; Part II. The pathways of diffusion; 16. The routes; Part III. The mechanics of diffusion: 17. The agents; 18. A medium for diffusion; 19. The pull of demand; 20. Facilitating supply: irrigation; 21. Facilitating supply: land tenure; 22. Facilitating supply: gardens; Part IV. The new plants in the economy: 23. An agricultural revolution?; 24. Agriculture in its context; Part V. Later centuries: 25. Agriculture in retreat.