Understanding Our Past Geography – Study of people, their environments, and the resources available to them. Conclusions are drawn from limited evidence such as artifacts (technology). Related areas include Anthropology, Archaeology, and History. Modern technology assists in interpreting this evidence.

Five Themes of Geography LOCATION Tells where a place is on Earth using latitude and longitude. Latitude – North and South of the Equator Longitude – East and West of the Prime Meridian Can be relative or exact location

Five Themes of Geography PLACE Refers to physical features and human characteristics. Examples of physical features include: water, climate, landforms Examples of human characteristics include: economy, religion, language

Five Themes of Geography HUMAN-ENVIRONMENT INTERACTION Humans manipulate the environment and the environment influences human activity. Examples include: Irrigation, infrastructure, etc.

Five Themes of Geography MOVEMENT The migration of people, goods, and ideas. This is a major cause of cultural diffusion. Cultural diffusion normally occurs during trade, migration, and/or warfare. Today, this process is almost instantaneous.

Five Themes of Geography REGION The world is divided based on physical, political, economic, and/or cultural features. Example: Middle East

Understanding Our Past Culture – Way of life of a society handed down from one generation to the next by learning and experience. Cultural Diffusion – The spread of ideas, customs, and technologies from one people to another through migration, trade, and warfare.

The Dawn of History Paleolithic AgeNeolithic Age Food Nomadic Hunting & Gathering Domesticated animals Agricultural Revolution Dwellings Cave Dwellings Move from place to place No permanent housing Permanent villages Technology Simple tools Advanced tools, weaponry, calendars Ex: fertilizer/plow Religion & Art Polytheistic Cave paintings Animism Polytheistic Belief in the afterlife

Beginnings of Civilization Civilization – Complex, highly organized social order. The term comes from the Latin word civis, meaning “citizen” or “townsman.” As farmers created a surplus of food, populations expanded and cities emerged along river valleys. There are 8 features found in civilizations.

Beginnings of Civilization 1.Cities 2.Well Organized Governments 3.Complex Religions 4.Job Specialization 5.Social Classes 6.Art & Architecture 7.Public Works 8.Writing (scribes/pictograms/ideograms)

Beginnings of Civilization City-State – Political unit including a city and its surrounding lands and villages. Empire – Group of states or territories controlled by one ruler.