Some interesting info from Saadi 
The archaeological world is abuzz today with the discovery of cave art galleries painted by what is believed to be the oldest beekeeping culture ever discovered.
Carbon dating has confirmed the cave art, located in an isolated valley in the Eastern Anatolian region of modern day Turkey was painted over 11,000 years ago.
It is believed that at its height this proto-civilisation had a population of up to 3000 people living in bands of up to 60 members spread throughout the region.
The stunning main gallery depicts the rise and fall of a neolithic bee worshiping society and points to some of the earliest human agricultural activity on record.
According to Professor Cyril Buckwheat, lead researcher, the most significant piece of art depicts the fall of the early civilisation (see image). “This is one of the clearest depictions of neolithic societal breakdown we have ever seen.” Said Prof Buckwheat.
Evidence from artefacts uncovered at the site, along with graphic depictions in the main gallery point to a stunning reason for societal collapse, and it’s a struggle even modern beekeepers face.
“These people used beekeeping methods, that until recently we thought were not developed until much later.” Prof Buckwheat said.
A major innovation was the use of man-made log hives, that allowed for hive management and honey harvesting techniques, that although crude by today’s standards, were major innovations in their day. A major rift in the culture appeared between those who used hollow logs laid on their side, and those who preferred to stand them upright.
“It appears there was a deep religious significance to the style of log hive used, and these differences could not be reconciled. Leading ultimately to a war that saw the collapse of the society and the loss of their rich history. It’s a tragic story really, and one with many lessons for the modern beekeeper.” Said Prof Buckwheat.
P.S
Happy April 1st. Whatever you use to keep bees, may your colonies grow strong and your honey be plentiful!
