Technological and Environmental Transformations (8000 to 600 B.C.E.) Demography: Study of populations; Greek word “demos”= people and “graphein”= to write about Important to the study of history Population increases and decreases have caused people to move from one place to another Brought people in contact with other ways of life and causing many political, social, and economic changes

Agricultural Development and Early Agricultural Communities Gender Inequality The Neolithic Revolution is responsible for the distinctions between men and women Women lose economic power: In hunting and gather societies, women’s gathering skills were essential for survival skills Men took over the agriculture and animals; women sidelined to taking care of the domestic chores Men’s physical strength meant they could do the work.

Now it’s time for a quick review…

Question 1 By scholarly convention, prehistory refers to the period before the emergence of cities. before modern humans were born. before the invention of writing. before homo sapiens appeared.

Question 1 By scholarly convention, prehistory refers to the period C. before the invention of writing.

Question 2 The term Neolithic era refers to A. the early stages of a cultivating society. B. the agricultural transition. C. the era in which the people began to use polished stone tools. D. the era in which people began to live permanently in villages.

Question 2 The term Neolithic era refers to B. the agricultural transition.

Just sayin’…

Agricultural Development and Early Agricultural Communities

Were able to accumulate wealth because stayed in one spot Agricultural Development and Early Agricultural Communities: Important Changes Affected How People Lived People Settled Down To be near the crops Were able to accumulate wealth because stayed in one spot The concept of private property!

Agricultural Development and Early Agricultural Communities Division of Labor People began to see the advantages of “specialization” Talented people did special jobs Work was more efficient

Agricultural Development and Early Agricultural Communities Social Inequality Increased Hunting and gathering groups were equal Agricultural groups were characterized by social distinctions and social classes Families accumulated land and passed property down to relatives Some families distinguished and others not Specialized occupations were awarded and respected

Agricultural Development and Early Agricultural Communities The Importance of Surplus Farmers grew a surplus (extra) and others could be craftsmen Food stuff could be stored Health improved due to reliable food supply, population increased, and more specialization occurred Villages grew to towns and eventually into cities that needed to be coordinated and controlled Now specialized jobs in government

Agricultural Development and Early Agricultural Communities Religious Changes Religious beliefs are evident in hunting and gathering, but agricultural societies developed polytheism (belief in many gods) Gods were centered around objects that are important to farmers Sun gods, rain gods, gods of the harvest, and female fertility gods Connection between fertility of the soil and fertility of humans Fertility Goddess

Agricultural Development and Early Agricultural Communities Three craft Industries developed during the Neolithic Period Pottery Metallurgy Textiles Pottery, made by fire-hardening clay, served as food storage Copper was first metal humans shaped into useful items and jewelry By 6000 B.C.E. Copper heated for weapons and tools Textiles woven together around 6000 B.C.E.