Bell-Ringer Response On which of the following continents were the oldest human remains found in 1974? A. Europe B. Africa C. Asia

Understanding Our Past Foldable I. Studying The Past (4 things) pg.4-5 II. Investigating Prehistory (6 things) pg. 5-7 III. Discoveries in Africa and Beyond (8 things) pg. 8-10

Australopithecines (Africa)- Seven to Two million years ago.

Homo Habilis (Africa)- Around 2 million years ago

Homo Erectus (Africa, Asia, Europe)- Around Two Million years ago Homo Erectus (Africa, Asia, Europe)- Around Two Million years ago. Probably the first to learn how to use fire.

Early Modern Humans- Us Homo Sapiens (Everywhere)- 250,000 to 100,000 years ago. Neanderthals- Only in Europe and Asia. Disappeared around 50,000-30,000 years ago. Early Modern Humans- Us

Skills and Beliefs of the Old Stone Age Also called the Paleolithic Period Early people were nomads, or people who move place to place to find food. Typically, around 20-30 people lived in small bands or groups. Men-hunted, Women/Children-gathered

Around 100,000 years ago some people began burying their dead with great care. Some anthropologists believe that this was the first sign of religion. Many scholars think our ancestors believed that the world was full of spirits and forces that might reside in animals objects or dreams. Evidence of this is found in cave paintings.

How do you think humans developed spoken language?

The Neolithic Revolution Around 12,000 years ago, people learned to farm. It happened at different times all around the world. Along with farming, people also began to domesticate animals.

Dramatic Change Settled Farming= Establishment of the first settled villages and significant advances in technology and culture. Why? Jericho (Israel)- 10,000-9,000 B.C. Catalhuyuk (modern-day Turkey)- 7,000 B.C. Cultural changes- Men dominate, differences in wealth, increase in warfare. Technological changes- Calendars, Plowing, weaving, and pottery.

First Cities and Civilizations Earliest civilizations were all near major rivers. Food surpluses led the world’s first cities. The rise of cities was the main feature of civilization. Civilizations in the Americas were not by river valleys.

Basic Features of Civilization 1. Organized Government. 2. Complex Religions. 3. Job Specialization. 4. Social Classes. 5. Arts and Architecture. 6. Public Works. 7. Writing.

Civilizations change over time Things that can change or influence a civilization: 1. A sudden, drastic event like a earthquake or volcano eruption. 2. Cultural Diffusion- the spread of ideas, customs, and technologies from one people to another. 3. Cities- Grow into City-States 4. Empire- a group of states or territories controlled by one ruler.