Why does warfare become a concern in sedentary societies?

In sedentary societies, the significance of land ownership becomes a central factor contributing to concerns about warfare. As these societies establish permanent settlements and develop agriculture or other subsistence strategies, the land they occupy becomes vital for their survival and prosperity. This leads to the creation of social hierarchies and property ownership, making land not just a resource but an important symbol of wealth and status.

When different groups or communities lay claim to specific parcels of land, the stakes rise significantly. Conflict can arise over boundaries, resources, and the control of agricultural production. The more sedentary a society becomes, the more likely it is that disputes over land will escalate into violence, including warfare. As the value of land increases, so too does the motivation to protect it, leading to a heightened concern about the potential for armed conflict with neighboring groups over territorial disputes.

This dynamic is less pronounced in nomadic or semi-nomadic societies, where mobility allows groups to avoid prolonged conflicts over land. In contrast, sedentary communities, with their fixed locations and investment in land, often find themselves more vulnerable to conflict and warfare. Thus, the primary concern about warfare in these societies is intricately tied to the importance and ownership of land.