What was the most common way of threshing grain?

The most common way of threshing grain throughout history varied depending on the time period and location. However, the most widespread and long-lasting method was using animals to trample the grain.

Here's how it worked:

* Harvesting: Grain stalks were cut and bundled, then left to dry in the sun.

* Threshing: The dried stalks were spread out on a threshing floor (usually a hard-packed area of ground). Animals, typically oxen or horses, were then driven over the stalks, their hooves separating the grain from the chaff.

* Winnowing: The mixture of grain and chaff was then tossed into the air, allowing the wind to carry away the lighter chaff, leaving behind the heavier grain.

Other methods included:

* Using flails: This involved swinging a heavy stick with a short handle over the stalks, beating the grain loose.

* Treading with humans: This was common in some regions, especially where animal power was scarce.

* Threshing machines: These were developed in the 19th century and used mechanical force to separate the grain.

While animal-powered threshing was the most common method for centuries, the invention of threshing machines dramatically changed the process in many areas.

It's important to note that different cultures developed their own variations of these methods, often using tools specific to their region.