Evacuation work in the ancient city of Çatalhöyük in Turkey revealed an ancient and very well preserved hemp-woven fabric, which was used as a wrap for a small baby thousands of years ago.
The hemp fabric is said to date back 9,000 years.
The city of Çatalhöyük is a UNESCO World Heritage site and it is known as one of the best sites for understanding human prehistory. This city was a bustling, thriving city at a time when many other humans were wandering around in skins and living in caves. The baby is thought to have died and was buried in the grounds of a house, which subsequently burned down.
So, what does this ancient hemp history have to do with us today?
Firstly, it’s important to know that hemp is one of the most cultivated, useful and versatile plants on the planet. Ancient civilizations knew this, and used hemp for fiber, oil, seeds, and food. They made products such as rope, shoes, clothes and even sails for their boats. There is evidence that hemp was used in trade.
Secondly, growing a crop of hemp is a very useful thing to do in these times. As a prepper resource it is valuable because it is hardy, grows well and can be used for just about anything. Organic hemp powder is one of the best protein rich superfoods available. During 2005-2008 hemp food sales increased on average by 47% per year, making hemp one of the fastest-growing natural food categories.
Hemp can be used to restore depleted soils, and because it is such a strong and hardy plant, it is easy to grow. There are professional bodies promoting the growing and use of hemp, making it easier to get government licenses to grow a hemp crop. It is also increasingly recognised that hemp is an ecologically friendly crop to grow.
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