The ancient civilization that cultivated systems of agriculture as early as 9500 B.C. was the Natufian culture, which thrived in the Levant region. The Natufians are considered one of the first peoples to adopt a sedentary lifestyle, transitioning from nomadic hunter-gatherers to farming communities. They cultivated wild grains, establishing the foundation for agriculture and eventually leading to the development of later civilizations. This early agricultural practice played a critical role in the rise of complex societies, setting the stage for advancements in technology, religion, and social structure.