Ancient cosmic events shaped early agriculture and climate change in Syria

A new analysis of remains from the now-extinct village of Abu Hureyra in northern Syria suggests that a large comet explosion 12,800 years ago led to the shift from hunting to agriculture and control of wild animals. The explosion, known as the Younger Dryas Impact Hypothesis, caused shockwaves that wiped out the settlement and triggered a change in climate. Before the event, the settlers consumed wild fruits, berries, and legumes, but afterward, their diet shifted to grains and lentils. The findings support the hypothesis that multiple comet airbursts occurred across continents during this time period.