The Stone Age

Early Discoveries Historians call the time before there was writing prehistory. Hominid (HAH-muh-nuhd) is an early ancestor of humans

Four major groups of hominids: Early Hominids Four major groups of hominids: Ramapithecus (10-12 million) probably ancestral to the orangutan Australopithecus (3 million) name means “southern ape” Homo habilis (2 million - 1st accepted human beings) name means “handy man” Homo erectus (2 – 1.5 million) name means “upright man” Homo sapiens (200 000) name means “wise man”

What continent are all of these sites located? Oldest hominid discovery is that of Lucy – who lived more than 3 million years ago.

Stone Age Time Periods Paleolithic Era (Old Stone Age) Lasted until about 10 000 years ago First tools – used to process food (chop, cut, scrape). Later develop hand axe – used to cut trees and dig. First societies – Hunter-gatherer First Language, Art, and Religion (language easily the most important – how to distribute food)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAJA4qq5WaI (8min video) Cave Painting No one knows for sure why people created cave paintings, or what they were trying to accomplish. It is, to some, the Oldest Enigma. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAJA4qq5WaI (8min video)

Otzi – The Iceman Why was a Stone Age traveler in Europe’s highest mountains? When did he live? about 5,300 years ago Where did he live? Otztal Alps What did he do? He was travelling, and believed to have frozen to death ... Until they discovered an arrowhead in his shoulder Why is he important? His clothes were three types of animal skin, he wore leather shoes padded with grass, a grass cape, a fur hat, and a backpack. He had an axe with a copper blade.

Early Human Migration According to historians, which continent did humans reach last? Any issues with this conclusion?

Jared Diamond (ep. 1)

Stone Age Time Periods 2) Mesolithic Era (Middle Stone Age) ran approximately 10 000 to 5 000 years ago People found new uses for bone and stone tools. Some learned to make canoes by hallowing out logs (Fishing and travel increase) Pottery begins First dogs kept as pets (for hunting and security) Bow and arrow make first appearance

Stone Age Time Periods Neolithic Era (New Stone Age) Began at different times in different regions People start to polish stones, make tools like saws, and how to create fire (before it was only used if started by natural causes). New Stone Age ends in Egypt and Southwest Asia about 5 000 years ago (when metal is used). This era also ushers in the Agricultural Revolution!

Catal Huyuk Built on a hill and occupied for > 1000 years 32 acres 5000 inhabitants at its peak Plastered and painted (and gutters for rain) Entered houses from the roof Vultures would pick dead bodies clean before burial

One city does not thrive; it takes a network of cities to thrive Catal Huyuk con’t Hunter/Gatherer Sayer Moves around a lot Agriculture becomes necessary No one member has lots of stuff because of moving around a lot Because stationary, able to focus on stuff in a house – painting, beads, mirrors. Only material in Catal Huyuk was mud, so to increase quality of life, trade was needed Trade would be in the form of surplus food and probably pottery One city does not thrive; it takes a network of cities to thrive Agriculture starts a diverse socio-economic standard Urban areas become more attractive than rural areas Trade arises that could not exist without a city infrastructure