Why Were There So Many Neolithic Farmers? And What Can Big Data Do For Archaeology? Interview with Professor Stephen Shennan

<p>Professor Stephen Shennan is one of the world's leading experts on the early farmers of the Fertile Crescent and Europe. In this interview, I pick his brain about why early farmers were so, uh, fertile, and produced so many descendants; how those farmers spread outward from their regions of origin; and how we can understand their Neolithic world. Professor Shennan also one of the world's most accomplished archaeological theorists, and he answers my questions about archaeology in the age of Big Data, statistics, and new ways of understanding the past.</p><p>Listen to new episodes 1 week early, to exclusive seasons 1 and 2, and to all episodes ad free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and ad free listening. Available in the Wondery App. <a href="https://wondery.app.link/tidesofhistory" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://wondery.app.link/tidesofhistory</a></p><p>Support us by supporting our sponsors!</p><p><strong>New Yorker</strong> - For a limited&nbsp;time you can get 12 weeks of The New&nbsp;Yorker for just&nbsp;<strong>SIX </strong>dollars. Plus, you will&nbsp;receive an exclusive tote bag for FREE. Go to&nbsp;<a href="http://newyorker.com/TIDES" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>newyorker.com/TIDES</strong></a>!</p><p><strong>The Great Courses Plus - </strong>Go to <a href="http://thegreatcoursesplus.com/TIDES" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">thegreatcoursesplus.com/TIDES</a> and treat yourself to&nbsp;a FREE Trial of access to the entire&nbsp;library.</p><p>See Privacy Policy at <a href="https://art19.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://art19.com/privacy</a> and California Privacy Notice at <a href="https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info</a>.</p>