Part 1 of the series deals with the history and development of agricultural machines. The video traces Biblical and Roman references to the very first threshers and harvesters. Observe how design elements from ancient tools have been incorporated into today's machines. Students will see how these early implements changed over time and see traditional farming techniques still in use in different parts of the world. This program shows how labor shortages, relief from hard labor, and economic woes became the driving forces for agricultural mechanization.