Prehistory Notes

Important changes that led to the development of modern humans were: Walking upright (could cover long distances and carry things in their arms). Developing opposable thumbs (so they could pick up and hold objects). Use of stone tools.

Human History Geologic History Scientists divide the Stone Age into two parts Paleolithic Age – Old Stone Age Neolithic Age – New Stone Age / Agricultural Revolution Human History Geologic History 2 NEW STONE AGE (NEOLITHIC ERA) 3 BRONZE AGE 4 IRON AGE 5 Interglacial Period

As early humans struggled to survive they developed ways of interacting with their environment and each other. All of the ways people interact, their unique way of life, such as tools, customs, arts, and ideas, are all part of their culture.

Humans of the Paleolithic Era: lived in clans or tribes were nomads – people who move from place to place to find food made simple tools & weapons made cave art mastered the use of fire developed a language.

The nomads were hunter-gatherers (they gathered nuts, berries, leaves, and roots and hunted wild boar, deer, and even wooly mammoths)

Neolithic Age- New Stone Age

The second part of the Stone Age is known as the Neolithic Age or Agricultural Revolution. When the glaciers of the last Ice Age began to melt, groups of early humans began to travel more and come into contact with other groups. New ideas and new technology allowed these groups to domesticate (tame) plants and animals, which allowed them to live in one place.

As humans improved their abilities they needed fewer people working to feed the group so some group members were able to specialize, or devote all their time to other tasks such as making advanced tools (like spears), pots, weaving cloth, or building structures. These advancements led to the rise of settlements and the beginnings of civilization.

Culture The development of civilizations led to the development of distinct cultures. Early humans developed shared ways of doing things like ways of dressing, hunting practices, and things to eat.

Culture includes Food Clothing and adornment Sports Common practices Food Clothing and adornment Sports Tools and technology Social Customs Work Religious beliefs Values

People are not born knowing about culture. Culture is learned by Observation Imitation Or Taught (using spoken or written language)

From what groups do we acquire culture? Media, family, friends, government, religious institutions, school, workplace Which group do you think is most important in passing along culture? Why? – Answer on your notes

Complete your “Five Features of Civilizations Organizer” using your reading selection. You have 15 minutes to read the article

Complex Institutions Technology Specialized Workers Institution – a long lasting pattern of organization in a community such as Government Religion Economy Technology New tools and techniques that solve problems and make like easier Specialized Workers Specialized means someone has the skills to do a specific kind of work

Advanced City Record Keeping In order to be considered a city it must have Large population Must be a center of trade Record Keeping Must have a developed system of writing so the people can Record business Write a set of laws Priests can record rituals and dates

Let’s Review

Paleolithic Age: were nomads were the first to make simple tools and weapons made cave art mastered the use of fire developed language lived in clans (people united by actual or perceived kinship) Paleolithic Age = The Old Stone Age

Neolithic Age Neolithic Age = The New Stone Age & known as the Agriculture Revolution Humans during the Neolithic Age Developed agriculture Domesticated animals Used advanced tools such as spears Developed weaving skills