The process of grain milling began in the late Natufian (Neolithic) period around ten thousand years ago. With the intensified gathering of wild grains, grain milling became a necessity in the daily life of agricultural societies during the modern Stone Age when humans started practicing agriculture, producing grains, and using them in food. Throughout much of human history, the milling process was manually performed using simple grinding tools, typically carried out by women.

Initially, mortars and stone pestles appeared, representing the simplest forms of mills. These were essentially concave basalt stones where grains were crushed by a smaller hand-held stone moved back and forth. These stone mills continued into the Chalcolithic period and the Bronze and Iron Ages, appearing in significant quantities in archaeological contexts in Palestine and neighboring regions.

In the 5th century BCE, a new grain milling technology emerged, consisting of two stone pieces—one stationary and the other upper with an opening for grains to filter through. It was manually operated, resembling traditional millstones but proving more efficient in the milling process compared to the older method.

The most significant advancement in grain milling came with the invention of Roman mills, which consisted of a large conical stone rotating beneath a massive millstone. These mills were powered mechanically, often driven by animals such as donkeys. This innovation allowed for the mass production of flour and bread for the first time. The mechanical power for mill rotation was harnessed using human and animal power, water, and wind energy to turn the mills. These mills persisted until the 19th century when steam power was employed to operate them.

As for traditional millstones, also known as the "tahouna" or "jaarousha," these small mills were used for domestic consumption. They consisted of two circular basalt stones, with an opening in the center for placing the grains. The milling process involved rotating the upper stone manually with a wooden handle attached to its top. Almost every rural household in Palestine had such a mill, serving their domestic needs.

Recent aspects of the millstone industry have been observed in the village of Fakouaa in the Jenin region, where traditional millstones are still being crafted.