Early human settlements emerged around 10,000 BCE, marking a significant shift from nomadic lifestyles to more permanent communities. These settlements often developed near rivers and fertile land, which provided essential resources for agriculture. The domestication of plants and animals allowed people to grow their own food, leading to population growth and the establishment of villages. As communities grew, they began to form social structures and develop trade networks. Settlements like Çatalhöyük in modern-day Turkey and Jericho in the West Bank are examples of some of the earliest known urban centers. These early societies laid the foundation for future civilizations and cultural advancements.