Cats are believed to have evolved from wildcats around 10,000 years ago. This is thought to have been due to the introduction of agriculture and the emergence of settlements, which provided cats with a reliable source of food. Cats were also beneficial to humans as they helped to control rodent populations, which reduced the spread of disease. Cats became especially prominent in Ancient Egypt, where they were revered and often mummified after death. This is evidenced by the numerous artifacts and mummified cats that have been discovered in tombs from this period. Cats were also popular in Ancient Greece, Rome, and Medieval Europe.