[decimon]

Another consequence of farmer’s victory is the rampant spread of disease with clusters of humans.

This seems to be saying that population density, probably clustering, was higher in the hunter-gatherer north.

I thought that interesting as, when we get to recorded times, there is contention as to how populous were the groups we call Germanic and Mongolian. IOW, did they come to prevail much out of force of numbers.

[j.argese]

To the best of my recollection, hunter-gatherers moved in extended family groups of about 25 to 30 during most of the year with larger gatherings in the Summer months for trading and mating. I wish I had thought of it in college 25 years ago as opposed to just a moment ago as I typed the previous sentence BUT what if the hunters specialized into shepherding, while the gatherers specialized into agriculture?

It does make a bit of sense, if I say so myself, as shepherding societies tend to be patriarchal and worship male gods (including the Hebrew God) and agricultural societies tend toward matriarchies and Earth mother flim-flam.