Stone Age People Made Important Discoveries Chapter 1 Section 2 1

Ice Age Period of cold weather that lasted from 2 million to 3500 B.C. Characterized by glaciers that covered ¼ of the earth. Because of the cold temperatures, water froze and land bridges formed allowing humans to move to new areas . People moved from Asia to North America across the Bering Strait. Also the ocean water levels dropped allowing more land to surface. 2

The Stone Age The period when humans first began to live on the earth and is characterized by stone tools. Divided into 3 periods: Old Stone Age Middle Stone Age New Stone Age 3

Old Stone Age Paleolithic Age 2 million-8,000 B.C. Neanderthals First people Stood 5ft 5in Larger cranium which held average size brain Protruding nose and jaw Used stone tools and weapons Had customs such as: burial customs belief in afterlife taking care of old & sick 4

Discovery of Fire This discovery is one of the most important events in human history. Neanderthals were now able to keep themselves warm and prepare food. Fire could also be used for protection. 5

Neanderthals were nomads Nomads are people who move in search of food and have no permanent shelter. They are considered hunters & gatherers. When a food source became scarce, they would move on to another location. Food sources: musk ox, mammoth, reindeer, nuts, & berries 6

Cro Magnon Man Probably replaced Neanderthal @ 40,000 B.C. More advanced Refined weapons and tools Building of semi- permanent shelters Expresses ideas through art 7

Cave Art Paintings probably had religious meaning Often depicted daily life such as the hunt Paintings show the ability to express thoughts, dreams, hopes, & religious beliefs Best examples: Lascaux and Altimira 8

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Virtual tour of Lascaux http://www.culture.gouv.fr/culture/arcnat/lasca ux/en/ 10

Middle Stone Age Mesolithic Age 8,000 B.C.-6,000 B.C. Warming of the climate as glaciers move north Advancements in society Pottery: offered protection of food sources More refined tools and weapons Development of canoes for travel Domestication of dogs for protection 11

New Stone Age Neolithic Age 6,000 B.C.-3,500 B.C. Characterized by the Neolithic Revolution: period when society moved from hunting/gathering to farming. Man began to plant seeds and herd animals Set up permanent shelters Improvement in weapons and tools Domestication of beasts of burden (oxen) 12

New Stone Age con’t Invention of wheel and axel Introduction of Specialization of labor: when people perform jobs according to their skills. 13

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Stonehenge Built around 3,000 B.C. Possibly a place of worship or an astronomical observatory. 15

Ice Man 16