4400 BC - Horse Power - Domestication of the horse

4400 BC is the first time there is evidence of the domestication of horses. The domestication of horses introduced new medium of transportation and a means of conducting warfare.

Although horses appeared in Paleolithic cave art in early 30,000 BC, these were wild horses and were probably hunted for meat. There is no clear evidence when horses were domesticated. The clearest evidence of use of horses for transportation is from the chariot burials days (2000 BC). There is a strong amount of evidence that horses were domesticated in the Eurasian steppes (evidently centered in Ukraine) at approximately 4000 BC

Regardless of the specific date for domestication of horse. Use of horses spread rapidly across Eurasia for transportation, agricultural work and warfare in early 3500 – 3000 BC. Horses and mules were used in agriculture with breastplate type of harness or a yoke more suitable for oxen, which was not efficient in utilization of the animal’s full strength.

5500 BC - Use of Flax in Fiber by Egyptians.

Going back in time

Flax was the predominant fiber in Egypt which continued to become popular in Nile Valley. Flax threads in Egypt were woven to together to for the first time in 5500 BC.
The Flax Crop was primarily used as a crop for Food, which was then used by the Egyptians in manufacturing of clothes.

Characteristics and Uses

Flax fibre is soft, lustrous and flexible. It is much stronger than cotton and less elastic. The best grades are used in linen such as damasks, lace and sheeting. Coarser grades are used in the manufacturing of twine and rope. It is also used as a raw-material for high-quality paper for purpose of printed banknotes and rolling paper for cigarettes.

Who is cultivating

The major fibre flax-producing countries are Canada, USA and China, though there is also significant production in India and throughout Europe