How did ancient humans see tall growing grass (wheat), think to harvest it, mill it, mix it with water then put the mixture into fire to make ‘bread’?

Question

I am trying to comprehend how something that required methodical steps and ‘good luck’ came to be a staple of civilisations for thousands of years. Thank you. (Sorry if this question isn’t correct for ELI5, I searched and couldn’t find it asked. Hope it’s in-bounds.)

In: 1505

Answer 1

I’d also add that its pretty clear that some humans will try doing literally everything just to see what happens. The instinct to press the big red button that says “do not, under any circumstances, press this button” is universal, or at least common. The curiosity required to develop technology didn’t suddenly emerge in the last 300 years, we just gained access to a wider range of materials and more energy sources to bang them together and see what comes out.

I don’t buy the “happy accident” theories of early agricultural technology at all (leftovers thrown on the fire / wheat left out in the rain). My view is that if it could be done with the resources available at the time, someone would be curious enough to try it.