Early Humans

Prehistory Before people developed writing Information from this era is mainly from archaeology(artifacts, fossils ) Anthropology – how humans developed and how they related to their environment.

Paleolithic- Old Stone Age

Paleolithic- 2.5 million- 8000B.C. Hunter – gathers- most of the time spent searching for food ( Nomads) Men – hunted animals, caught fish & insects Women- gathered nuts, berries, fruits, grains and plants Groups or bands of 30 or so members Adapted to their environment

Life changing discovery- Fire

Fire Fire provided: Warmth Cook meat and food Smoke meats to preserve Light protection

Ice Ages

Ice Age Long periods of extreme cold- great threat to life 100,000 B.C.- 8000B.C. Thick ice covered much of North America and Europe People had to adapt: Shelters - use animal fur Changing diet - mastery of fire

Early humans language Spoken language developed over time Made it easier to work together Passed knowledge from one group of people to other groups

Early Humans Art

Early Humans Art Some told stories Some could have had religious meanings? Might have brought good luck to a hunt

Invention of tools

Tools Flint( axes, spear tips, arrows) Bones( needles, saw, scrappers)

Neolithic – New Stone Age

Neolithic – New Stone Age 8000B.C.- 4000B.C. New advances Domestication of animals Provided meat, milk, wool and power to do work Farming Provided a steady food source & the ability to live in one place

Villages

Growth of Villages Farmers stayed in one place to grow and care for their crops Who remained nomadic? Two earliest Neolithic villages 8000B.C. - Jericho 6700B.C. – Catal Huyuk

Benefits of Settled Life- Farming Revolution Steady food supply Growing population- larger work force Trade Specialization Farmers Craftsman Merchants