This monograph presents a number of essays related to the general idea of cultural diffusion of early forms of agriculture and animal husbandry, social organization and ideology. The book is based on extensive ethnographic, archaeological, folklore and linguistic materials. Data from molecular genetics and paleoanthropology are also used. The author's theoretical position and methods of reasoning are very original, and the presentation is lively, direct and intelligible. The book will be of interest both to specialists - anthropologists, ethnologists, historians, folklorists and linguists, and to a wide range of readers interested in the ancient past of mankind and the culture of unliterate, stateless societies.