I have an old magazine and I love the ads!
Your post really makes ya stop and think about how way back when they didn't have the resources that we have to make chicken keeping really easy. But that certainly didn't mean people were less intelligent. In some ways , I would think it took more intelligence to live way back when.
Now when you really think about it (off topic), throw 1,000 men in the desert today and see how long it takes them to build a pyramid!
Desert is not as important as suitable geology and sound agriculture making so some can get away from concern of providing food.