How Do You Farm In Ancient Greece In The Time Of Hesiod?
Hesiod, who lived in ancient Greece somewhere between 900 B.C. and 725 B.C., wrote a poem called “Works and Days.” Among other things Hesiod offers advice on agriculture. Suppose that you lived during his era. You are accustomed to plant wheat each year, and you also have a vineyard. What would your agricultural year be like? The agricultural year in ancient Greece began in fall. You have two fields. One has been harvested earlier in the year. Leave that one fallow, so that it can recuperate its fertility. Ancient Greeks did not know about crop rotation, and they did not have synthetic fertilizers. The other field has been left fallow for a year and is ready for sowing. Wait till you hear the sound of migrating cranes traversing the skies overhead (about 27 days after the autumnal equinox in the middle of October). This is your signal to start sowing wheat. If your plough-tree (handle for plough) is worn out, go to a nearby mountain, find a holm-oak, and make a new plough-tree. Attach
