RELAY 2: TREE
Material Technology Emerges
The Tree relay represents humanity's mastery of materials. Wood became the foundation for shelter, tools, and transportation. The development of woodworking techniques enabled the construction of more sophisticated structures and the creation of specialized tools.
Tree infrastructure included shelters, wooden tools, boats, and eventually entire settlements built from wood. This relay marks the transition from nomadic to semi-settled communities, as reliable shelter enabled longer-term habitation.
The knowledge of woodworking, timber selection, and construction techniques became critical to civilizational development. Forests became strategic resources, and control of forested regions became a source of power.
ACTIVE WEBS
ENERGY WEB
Wood as fuel and material resource
KNOWLEDGE WEB
Woodworking and construction techniques
POWER WEB
Control of forests and timber resources
FOUR PILLARS
INFRASTRUCTURE
Wooden shelters, tools, boats, and structures
CONTINUITY
Sustainable forest management and knowledge transmission
UNIFICATION
Shared settlements and communal structures
THREATS
Deforestation, fire, resource scarcity
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Timeline: Approximately 100,000 to 50,000 years ago, with significant development continuing through the Neolithic period.
Impact: Enabled semi-permanent settlements, improved tool-making, facilitated maritime exploration, and created the foundation for agricultural infrastructure.
Legacy: Wood remains a critical material. From construction to energy, from furniture to paper, wood infrastructure continues to shape modern civilization.