Final answer:
The effect of agriculture on the level of interpersonal violence seen in the archaeological record varied by region and cultural context. While some agricultural societies experienced increased hostilities due to resource accumulation, others maintained peaceful relations with their neighbors. The impact was not uniform, illustrating the complexity of human societal development associated with agriculture.
Step-by-step explanation:
The advent of agriculture has had complex effects on the level of interpersonal violence, as seen in the archaeological record. On one side, the Neolithic Revolution, which occurred independently in various regions of the world, led to population growth, labor specialization, and the establishment of sophisticated Neolithic settlements. This agricultural transition allowed humans to settle in one place, leading to the domestication of animals and the cultivation of food crops such as wheat, barley, corn, millet, and rice. However, increasing population densities and the accumulation of resources such as stored grain and domesticated animals may have heightened conflict as these became commodities coveted by others. Evidence suggests that the early farmers in regions like the valleys of the Tigris and Euphrates managed to exist peacefully with their neighbors for significant periods. In contrast, in Europe during the late Neolithic Phase, the emergence of the 'battle-axe' people marked the arrival of more aggressive and politically motivated warfare. Moreover, in more recent times, groups such as the slash-and-burn agriculturalists of South America, like the Yanomami, have been involved in persistent warfare against their neighbors.
Thus, violence among agricultural societies has not been uniform or a necessary outcome of farming itself. While some societies experienced an increase in hostilities, others have enjoyed long-standing peace with their neighbors. Considering the disparities in the archaeological record, it is evident that the effect of agriculture on interpersonal violence varied greatly depending on the region and cultural context. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is not straightforward and would likely require an option acknowledging the nuance, such as 'e. Violence patterns varied.'