The narrator, MatPat, presents a theory that the entire history of the world is driven by bread. He argues that bread has been the primary source of power, currency, and motivation for civilizations throughout history. Starting from ancient Mesopotamia, he tracks the spread of bread-making techniques to Egypt, Greece, Rome, and other empires, showing how each civilization's rise and fall can be linked to its control over bread production and distribution.
MatPat explains that bread was the ideal food for early civilizations due to its transportability, measurability, and visibility, making it an efficient currency and tax base. He also highlights the role of bread in mythology, religion, and politics, from the Egyptian goddess Isis to the Roman concept of "bread and circuses."
The narrator then explores how the same dynamics played out in other regions, including the rise of corn-based civilizations in Mesoamerica and the role of rice in Asian history. He concludes that the history of the world is ultimately a story of bread and its power to shape human societies.
The video ends with MatPat suggesting that, despite technological advancements, bread will continue to play a significant role in shaping human history and that following the bread will always reveal who holds power.
Here are the key facts from the text:
1. Bread has been a staple food in many cultures for thousands of years.
2. The first evidence of bread-making dates back to around 30,000 years ago in Mesopotamia.
3. The ancient Sumerians developed a goddess of grain and writing named Nisaba.
4. The Egyptians developed a system of irrigation to grow wheat, which allowed them to build a powerful empire.
5. The Egyptians also developed a method of yeast fermentation to make bread rise.
6. The ancient Greeks developed a closed oven to bake bread, which allowed them to make more bread with less fuel.
7. The Romans adopted bread-making techniques from the Greeks and developed a system of government-sponsored welfare that provided bread to citizens.
8. The Roman Empire was able to maintain control over its vast territories by providing bread to its citizens.
9. The phrase "bread and circuses" was coined to describe the Roman Empire's strategy of keeping its citizens happy with bread and entertainment.
10. The Byzantine Empire also relied heavily on bread, and the Guild of Bakers in Constantinople was a protected group.
11. The Holy Roman Empire also relied on bread, and Christianity played a significant role in the distribution of bread.
12. The French Revolution was partially caused by a shortage of bread, which led to widespread protests and riots.
13. The British Empire also struggled with bread shortages, which led to protests and riots in the American colonies.
14. The United States became a global superpower in part due to its ability to produce large quantities of wheat and export it to other countries.
15. The US government has paid out over $48 billion in wheat subsidies since 1995 to support wheat production.
16. Wheat is a key crop in many parts of the world, and its production and trade have played a significant role in shaping global history.
17. The history of civilization is closely tied to the history of grain production, which provided a reliable source of food and allowed for the growth of cities and empires.
18. Rice was a staple crop in ancient China, and its production and trade played a significant role in shaping Chinese history.
19. The Three Kingdoms period in ancient Chinese history was marked by a struggle for control over rice-producing regions.
20. Rice continues to play a significant role in Asian cuisine and culture, and its production and trade remain important to many countries in the region.