Plant-Based Civilizations: A Historical Dietary Mystery

The concept of a plant-based diet is often thought of as a modern phenomenon, with the rise of animal welfare movements and 21st-century health trends. However, the idea of forgoing meat and animal-based products is not new, with various societies choosing this lifestyle for hundreds, and even thousands, of years.

The earliest evidence of vegetarianism dates back over 9,000 years to the Indus Valley Civilisation in modern-day Pakistan, where Hinduism, one of the oldest religions on Earth, is thought to have originated. This is considered the oldest example of vegetarianism in religious practices.

Another prominent example is Buddhism, which has followed plant-based diets for around 2,500 years. The belief in reincarnation and the doctrine of ahimsa, or non-violence, play a significant role in these dietary choices.

In ancient Greece, the philosopher Pythagoras is considered one of the first people to mention vegetarianism, believing that people have a duty to be benevolent to animals, which also had practical benefits due to the scarcity of meat.

Veganism, specifically, has been present in countries like India and China for centuries, largely due to religious reasons. The practice of veganism continues among followers of religions like Buddhism and Hinduism even today.

The origins of vegetarianism in ancient civilisations

Vegetarianism and veganism have been practised in various forms for thousands of years, with roots in ancient civilisations across the world. The earliest evidence of vegetarianism dates back over 9,000 years to the Indus Valley Civilisation in modern-day Pakistan. This is also where Hinduism, one of the oldest religions to recommend a vegetarian lifestyle, is believed to have originated.

One of the most prominent religions in the world, Buddhism, has followed plant-based diets for around 2,500 years. The belief in reincarnation and the doctrine of ahimsa, or non-injury to people, animals, and plants, are key factors in these dietary choices. Ahimsa is also followed in Jainism and Hinduism, and India has one of the longest and strongest histories of plant-based diets.

In ancient Greece, Pythagoras of Samos, best known for the Pythagorean Theorem, was also one of the first people to mention vegetarianism. He believed that souls were immortal and would transmigrate into other bodies after death, and that all living beings were part of one family. He abstained from eating meat and urged his followers to do the same.

In ancient Rome, gladiators consumed a diet high in legumes and barley, and were referred to as "horaederi" or "bean and barley chewers".

In the 19th century, vegetarianism became a significant movement in Britain and the United States, with the first vegetarian society formed in Ramsgate, England, in 1847. The term "vegan" was coined in 1944 by Donald Watson, who founded the world's first vegan advocacy group, The Vegan Society.

The influence of religion on plant-based diets

One of the earliest examples of a plant-based diet can be traced back to the Indus River civilisation in Mehrgarh, located in present-day Pakistan. This civilisation, dating back to the 3rd-2nd millennium BCE, is believed to be the origin of Hinduism, one of the oldest religions in the world. Hinduism has promoted a vegetarian way of life since its inception, and India has one of the longest and strongest plant-based diets in history. The concept of reincarnation and the principle of "ahimsa" or non-violence are key factors in the dietary choices of Hindus, who make up a significant portion of the world's vegetarians.

Buddhism, another prominent religion with millions of followers worldwide, has also embraced plant-based diets for over 2,500 years. The belief in reincarnation and the doctrine of ahimsa, which includes refraining from harming people, animals, and plants, are central to Buddhist teachings. This doctrine is similarly followed in Jainism and Hinduism, with the Jaina teacher Mahavira emphasising the importance of non-violence and reverence for life.

In the Western world, the Greek philosopher Pythagoras of Samos, who lived around 1,400 years ago, is considered the father of ethical vegetarianism. Pythagoras believed in the transmigration of souls and the kinship of all life, leading him to abstain from eating animal-based foods. He founded a community in Kroton in the 6th century BCE that followed a strict plant-based diet, and his ideas influenced vegetarianism until the 19th century.

Furthermore, religious holidays and traditions often incorporate specific food practices. For example, during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, Muslims fast during the day and break their fast with a meal called iftar. This tradition fosters a sense of community and cultural identity. Similarly, the Hindu festival of Diwali involves preparing and sharing sweets and savoury dishes, symbolising the victory of light over darkness. These religious festivities bring communities together and reinforce the connection between spirituality and food.

In conclusion, religion has had a significant influence on plant-based diets throughout history. From ancient civilisations to modern times, religious beliefs, values, and traditions have shaped dietary choices and continue to play a crucial role in the global shift towards plant-based diets, driven by health, ethical, and environmental concerns.

The history of veganism

Ancient History

The concept of flesh-avoidance can be traced back to ancient civilisations in India and the Eastern Mediterranean. The earliest evidence of vegetarianism dates back over 9,000 years to the Indus River Valley Civilisation in modern-day Pakistan. This is also where Hinduism, one of the oldest religions to promote a vegetarian lifestyle, is thought to have originated.

In the 6th century BCE, the Greek philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras promoted benevolence among all species and followed a vegetarian diet. He is considered the father of ethical vegetarianism and his ideas influenced vegetarian nutrition until the 19th century.

Around the same time, Siddhārtha Gautama, better known as the Buddha, discussed vegetarian diets with his followers. Buddhism has followed plant-based diets for some 2,500 years, with beliefs in reincarnation and the doctrine of ahimsa or 'non-injury' playing a part in these dietary choices.

19th Century

In the 19th century, vegetarianism became a significant movement in Britain and the United States. The term ''vegetarian' was first used in 1842 and the first vegetarian society was formed in England in 1847.

20th Century

In the 20th century, veganism emerged as a distinct lifestyle separate from vegetarianism. In 1944, Donald Watson coined the term 'vegan' to describe those who did not consume any animal products, including dairy and eggs. Watson founded the Vegan Society, which held its first meeting in November 1944.

Since its inception, veganism has grown and evolved, with various vegan communities, cookbooks, and products emerging. In the 1960s, scientists began studying the health effects of plant-based diets, discovering the nutritional benefits of this lifestyle.

21st Century

In the 21st century, veganism has become increasingly mainstream, with chain restaurants offering vegan options and supermarkets improving their selection of vegan-processed food. The rise of social media sites like Instagram has also played a role in promoting veganism.

Today, veganism continues to gain traction, with growing concerns about animal welfare, the environment, and personal health driving more people to adopt plant-based diets.

The modern plant-based movement

The Early History of Plant-Based Diets

Plant-based diets have been around for thousands of years, with ancient civilisations and religions advocating for meat-free and plant-based lifestyles. For example, the earliest evidence of vegetarianism dates back over 9,000 years to the Indus River Valley Civilisation in what is now Pakistan. This is also where Hinduism, one of the oldest religions to recommend a vegetarian way of life, originated.

Buddhism, another prominent world religion, has followed plant-based diets for about 2,500 years as part of its religious and cultural practices. The belief in reincarnation and the doctrine of ahimsa or non-violence play a significant role in these dietary choices. Jainism and Hinduism also follow this doctrine.

In ancient Greece, Pythagoras of Samos, who also founded the Pythagorean Theorem, was one of the first people to mention vegetarianism. He believed that people had a duty to be benevolent to animals and so advocated for meat avoidance. This idea soon spread to ancient Rome, where gladiators consumed a diet high in legumes and barley, earning them the name "horaederi" or "bean and barley chewers".

The term "vegetarian" was first used in 1842 in the magazine *Healthian*, published by the Alcott House Academy. The term "vegan" was coined in 1944 by Donald Watson, an English animal rights advocate who founded the first vegan advocacy group, The Vegan Society.

In the 19th century, vegetarianism established itself as a significant movement in Britain and the United States. Several vegan communities were established during this time, such as the Temple School and Fruitlands in Massachusetts, founded by Amos Bronson Alcott, and the Concordium in England, founded by James Pierrepont Greaves.

In the 20th century, the consumption of milk and eggs became a battleground, with regular discussions about it in the *Vegetarian Messenger*. The first vegan cookbook, *No Animal Food: Two Essays and 100 Recipes* by Rupert H. Wheldon, was published in 1910.

In the 21st century, the plant-based movement has gained significant traction, with documentaries like *The Gamechangers* and *What The Health* and social media influencers and celebrities advocating for the benefits of plant-based diets. Chain restaurants have started marking vegan items on their menus, and supermarkets have improved their selection of vegan-processed food. The Economist even declared 2019 "the year of the vegan".

Today, companies have arisen to cater to the growing number of vegetarians and vegans worldwide, with food delivery programs and vegan protein alternatives to meat. Restaurants have also started offering vegetarian and vegan options, and some are fully plant-based. The plant-based movement has expanded beyond food to include other products such as cosmetics and clothing.

The environmental impact of plant-based diets

Plant-based diets have been around for thousands of years, with roots in ancient Buddhist practices, Pythagorean philosophy, and Romantic-era literature. While it is not known for certain whether any civilization has lived solely on a plant-based diet, it is clear that this way of eating has had a significant impact on human history and continues to be a popular choice for many people today.

• Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Plant-based diets can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, especially methane emissions produced by cattle and sheep. A shift to plant-based diets could reduce global emissions by up to 49%.
• Land Use: Plant-based diets require less land for food production. Adopting plant-based diets could reduce dietary and total land use by 34% and 24%, respectively.
• Water Use: Plant-based diets can conserve water resources. It takes 43,000 liters of water to produce 1 kg of beef, compared to only 1,000 liters for 1 kg of grain. Plant-based diets could reduce global water use by 14-21%.
• Biodiversity: Plant-based diets can help protect biodiversity by reducing the need for deforestation and conversion of natural habitats into croplands and pasturelands.
• Pollution: Plant-based diets can reduce water pollution caused by agricultural runoff and manure storage. Vegan diets have been shown to reduce water pollution by up to 49%.
• Health Benefits: In addition to the environmental benefits, plant-based diets offer substantial health benefits. They are associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain types of cancer.
• Social and Ethical Concerns: Plant-based diets address social and ethical concerns related to animal welfare and climate change. They can also promote more sustainable and equitable food systems.
• Economic Factors: Shifting to plant-based diets may involve economic considerations, such as the cost of plant-based foods and the impact on industries and communities dependent on animal agriculture.

Overall, plant-based diets have the potential to significantly reduce the environmental impact of food production, improve human health, and address social and ethical concerns. However, there may also be challenges and trade-offs involved in transitioning to plant-based diets on a large scale.

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